jfSlIDlllB^a  ©SIB  HI  US 


Beceived 

Essex  Institute. 


PRESENTED    BY  Sel«»g«d 


The  Library  Committee  shall  divide  the  books  and  other 
articles  belonging  to  the  Library  into  three  classes,  namely: 
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those  which  may  be  taken  only  by  written  permission  of 
three  members  of  the  committee;  (c)  those  which  may  circu- 
late under  the  following  rules. 

Members  shall  be  entitled  to  take  from  the  Library  two 
folio  or  quarto  volumes,  or  four  volumes  of  lesser  fold,  with 
the  plates  belonging  to  the  same,  upon  having  them  recorded 
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make  good  any  damage  they  sustain,  while  in  their  posses- 
sion, and  to  replace  the  same  if  lost,  or  pay  a  sum  fixed  by 
the  Library  Committee. 

No  person  shall  lend  any  book  belonging  to  the  Institute, 
excepting  to  a  member,  under  a  penalty  of  one  dollar  for 
each  offence. 

The  Library  Committee  may  allow  members  to  take  more 
than  the  allotted  number  of  books  upon  a  written  applica- 
tion, and  may  also  permit  other  persons  than  members  to 
use  the  Library  under  such  conditions  as  they  may  impose. 

No  person  shall  detain  any  book  longer  than  four  weeks 
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volume  shall  be  detained  longer  than  three  months  at  one 
time  under  the  same  penalty. 

The  Librarian  shall  have  power  by  order  of  the  Library 
Committee  to  call  in  any  volume  alter  it  has  been  retained 
by  a  member  for  ten  days. 

On  or  before  the  first  Wednesday  in  May,  all  books  shall 
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No  book  shall  be  allowed  to  circulate  until  one  month  after 
its  receipt. 


HYMNS  AND  EXERCISES 


FOR  THE 


FEDERAL   STREET   SUNDAY  SCHOOL. 


Part  I.     Sacred  Songs,  by  Mrs.  Follew. 
Part  II.   Hymns  selected  for  the  School. 
Part  III.  Lessons  from  Scripture, 
Part  IV.  Prayers. 

Appendix. 


I.  R. 


BOSTON: 

BUTTS,  PRINTER. 

1839. 


NOTICE. 


In  preparing  this  book  for  our  Sunday  School,  ad- 
vantage has  been  taken,  with  the  Compiler's  and  the 
Publisher's  permission,  of  the  collection  of  hymns 
lately  published  under  the  title  of  u  Sacred  Songs  for 
Sunday  Schools/'  It  constitutes  the  First  Part.  The 
Second  Part  consists  of  hymns  selected  from  the 
<c  Collection  of  Psalms  and  Hymns "  used  by  the 
Federal  Street  congregation,  and  from  the  little  book 
which  has  been  for  several  years  in  use  in  our  School. 
Lessons  from  Scripture  and  Prayers  are  added,  in  the 
hope  that  one  of  the  former  will  be  read  at  the  open- 
ing of  the  School,  and  one  of  the  latter  be  repeated 
aloud  by  the  children  after  the  Superintendent,  when- 
ever he  shall  prefer  a  printed  form  to  an  extempora- 
neous service. 

E.  S.  G. 

Boston,  Sept.,  1839. 


SACRED  SONGS, 


SUNDAY  SCHOOLS, 


ORIGINAL  AND  SELECTED. 


By  Mrs,  Follen, 


Let  us  with  a  gladsome  mind 

Praise  the  Lord,  for  he  is  kind. — Milton* 


BOSTON : 
PUBLISHED  BY  B.  H.  GREEN, 
1839. 


NOTICE. 


The  compiler  of  these  hymns  is  aware  that  some  of  them 
may  deserve  praise  for  their  simplicity,  rather  than  for 
their  poetic  meiit.  Nothing  has  been  considered  by  her 
of  so  much  importance,  as  that  the  devotional  thoughts 
and  sentiments  expressed  should  be  such  as  a  child  might 
enter  into  and  enjoy.  Many  of  the  figurative  expressions 
in  sacred  poetry,  which  to  adults  convey  grand  or  beauti- 
ful ideas,  in  the  literal  apprehension  of  the  minds  of  child- 
ren, are  merely  terrifying  or  grotesque  realities.  Dogmas 
are,  with  them,  at  best  mere  words,  taking  the  place  of 
religion  in  the  young  mind.  Love,  joy,  trust,  veneration, 
the  desire  of  the  helpless,  the  ignorant,  the  sinful,  for 
strength,  for  guidance,  for  protection,  for  pardon,  afford 
abundant  materials  for  sacred  poetry,  and  all  these  things 
are  intelligible  and  interesting  to  children.  The  beautiful 
hymn  beginning,  "  I  feel  within  a  want,"  is  a  perfect  model 
and  illustration  of  what  a  child's  hymn  should  be. 

Some  of  the  hymns  in  this  collection  are  well  known, 
some  others  are  now  published  for  the  first  time.  The 
natural  desire  for  novelty  has  been  consulted  by  an  en- 
deavor to  obtain  .such  as  were  comparatively  rare  3  but 
none  have  been  admitted  without  a  conscientious  refer- 
ence to  the  capacities  and  sensibilities  of  children.  With 
this  view,  a  few  slight  alterations  have  been  made  in  some 
of  the  hymns  ;  but  in  no  instance,  it  is  hoped,  at  the  sacri. 
fice  of  melody  or  poetic  feeling. 


Entered,  according  to  act  of  Congress,  in  the  year  1839, 
By  Charles  Follen, 
In  the  Clerk's  office  of  the  District  Court  of  Massachusetts. 


SACRED  SONGS 


FOR 

SUNDAY  SCHOOLS. 


THE  LORD'S  DAY. 

This  is  the  day  when  Jesus  woke 

From  the  deep  slumbers  of  the  tomb ; 

This  is  the  day  the  Saviour  broke 

The  bonds  of  fear  and  hopeless  gloom. 

This  is  indeed  a  holy  day ; 

No  longer  may  we  dread  to  die  ; 
Let  every  fear  be  cast  away, 

And  tears  be  wiped  from  every  eye. 

Sorrow  and  pain  the  Saviour  knew, 
A  dark  and  thorny  path  he  trod  ; 

But  Heaven  was  ever  in  his  view, 
That  toilsome  path  led  up  to  God. 

Let  every  heart  rejoice  and  sing, 
Let  every  sin  and  sorrow  cease  ; 

Let  children  come  this  day  and  bring 
Their  offering  of  love  and  peace 


4  SACRED  SONGS. 

MORNING  HYMN. 

Once  more  the  light  of  day  I  see; 

Lord,  with  it  let  me  raise 
My  heart  and  voice  in  songs  to  thee 

Of  gratitude  and  praise. 

The  u  busy  bee,"  ere  this  hath  gone, 

O'er  many  a  bud  and  bell, 
i'rom  flower  to  flower  is  humming  on, 

To  store  its  waxen  cell. 

Oh  may  I,  like  the  bee,  still  strive 

Each  moment  to  employ  ; 
And  store  my  mind,  that  richer  hive, 

With  sweets  that  cannot  cloy. 

The  skylark  from  its  lowly  nest 

Hath  soar'd  into  the  sky, 
And  by  its  joyous  song  express'd 

Unconscious  praise  on  high. 

My  feeble  voice  and  faltering  tone 

No  tuneful  tribute  bring  ; 
But  Thou  canst  in  my  heart  make  known 

What  bird  can  never  sing. 

Instruct  me,  then,  to  lift  my  heart 
To  Thee  in  praise  and  prayer ; 

And  love  and  gratitude  impart 
For  every  good  I  share. 

Thus  let  me,  Lord,  confess  the  debt 

I  owe  thee  day  by  day ; 
Nor  e'er  at  night  or  morn  forget 

To  thee,  O  God,  to  pray. 


SACRED  SONGS. 


5 


CHRISTIAN  LOVE. 

The  God  of  heaven  is  pleas'd  to  see 

A  little  family  agree ; 
And  will  not  slight  the  praise  they  bring 

When  loving  children  join  to  sing. 

For  love  and  kindness  please  him  more 
Than  if  we  give  him  all  our  store ; 

And  children  here  who  dwell  in  love 
Are  like  his  happy  ones  above. 

Great  God  !  forgive,  whenever  we 
Forget  thy  will  and  disagree  ; 

And  grant  that  each  of  us  may  find 
The  sweet  delight  of  being  kind. 


SUFFER  LITTLE   CHILDREN  TO  COME  UNTO  ME.' 

'  Little  children  come  to  me/ 
This  is  what  the  Saviour  said  ; 

Little  children,  come  and  see, 

Where  these  gracious  words  are  read. 

Often  on  these  pages  look, 

Of  the  love  of  God  they  tell ; 
'Tis  indeed  a  holy  book, 

Learn  to  read  and  love  it  well. 

Thus  you  hear  the  Saviour  speak, 

*  Come  ye  all  and  learn  of  me 
He  was  gentle,  lowly,  meek, 

So  should  all  his  followers  be. 
1* 


6 


SACRED  SONGS. 


When  our  Saviour  from  above, 
From  his  Father  did  descend, 

Folded  in  his  arms  of  love, 

Children  knew  him  for  their  friend. 

Every  little  child  he  bless' d; 

Bless'd  in  innocence  they  are  ; 
Little  children  he  caress'd : 

Praise  him  in  your  infant  prayer  ! 

(L 

HYMN. 

Will  God,  who  made  the  earth  and  sea, 
The  night,  and  shining  day, 

Regard  a  little  child  like  me, 
And  listen  when  I  pray  ? 

If  I  am  hungry,  poor,  and  cold, 

Then  will  he  hear  my  cry  ? 
And  when  I  shall  be  sick  and  old, 

O,  then  will  God  be  nigh? 

Yes  ;  in  his  holy  word  we  read 

Of  his  unfailing  love  ; 
And  when  his  mercy  most  we  need, 

His  mercy  he  will  prove. 

To  those  who  seek  him,  he  is  near ; 

He  looks  upon  the  heart, 
And  from  the  humble  and  sincere 

He  never  will  depart. 

He  sees  our  thoughts,  our  wishes  knows, 
He  hears  our  faintest  prayer ; 


SACRED  SONGS. 


Where'er  the  faithful  Christian  goes, 
He  finds  his  Father  there. 

Obedient  children  need  not  fear, 

God  is  a  faithful  friend  ; 
And  when  no  other  help  is  near, 

He  will  deliverance  send. 

Then  fear  not  hunger,  cold,  or  pain, 

But  fear  to  disobey 
That  power  which  does  your  life  sustain, 

And  guards  you  every  day. 


'  GLORY  TO  GOD  IN  THE  HIGHEST.' 

Songs  of  praise  the  angels  sang, 
Heaven  with  hallelujahs  rang, 
When  Jehovah's  work  begun, 
When  he  spake,  and  it  was  done. 

Songs  of  praise  awoke  the  morn 
When  the  Prince  of  Peace  was  born; 
Songs  of  praise  arose,  when  he 
Captive  led  captivity. 

Heaven  and  earth  must  pass  away, 
Songs  of  praise  shall  hail  that  day  ; 
God  will  make  new  heaven  and  earth, 
Songs  of  praise  shall  hail  their  birth. 

Saints  below,  with  heart  and  voice 
Still  in  songs  of  praise  rejoice  ; 
Learning  here,  by  faith  and  love 
Songs  of  praise  to  sing  above. 


s 


SACRED  SONGS. 


Borne  upon  the  latest  breath, 
Songs  of  praise  shall  conquer  death ; 
Then  amidst  eternal  joy 
Songs  of  praise  their  powers  employ. 

v, 

THE   USE   OF  FLOWERS, 

God  might  have  made  the  earth  bring  forth 

Enough  for  great  and  small, 
The  Oak  tree,  and  the  Cedar  tree, 

Without  a  flower  at  all. 

He  might  have  made  enough,  enough 

For  every  want  of  ours ; 
For  luxury,  medicine,  and  toil, 

And  yet  have  made  no  flowers. 

The  clouds  might  give  abundant  rain, 

The  nightly  dews  might  fall, 
And  the  herb  that  keepeth  life  in  man, 

Might  yet  have  drunk  them  all. 

Then  wherefore,  wherefore  were  they  made, 

And  dyed  with  rainbow  light, 
All  fashioned  with  supremest  grace, 

Up-springing  day  and  night  % 

Springing  in  valleys  green  and  low, 

And  on  the  mountains  high ; 
And  in  the  silent  wilderness, 

Where  no  man  passes  by  ? 

Our  outward  life  requires  them  not, 
Then  wherefore  had  they  birth  ? 


SACRED  SONGS. 


9 


— To  minister  delight  to  man  ; 
To  beautify  the  earth  ; 

To  comfort  man — to  whisper  hope 

Whene'er  his  faith  is  dim  ; 
For  whoso  careth  for  the  flowers, 

Will  care  much  more  for  him ! 

THANKS   FOR  A   PLEASANT  DAY. 

Come  let  us  all  with  heart  and  voice 
To  God  our  Father  sing  and  pray, 

In  his  unceasing  love  rejoice, 

And  thank  him  for  this  pleasant  day. 

The  clear  blue  sky  looks  full  of  love; 

Let  all  our  selfish  passions  cease  ! 
O  let  us  lift  our  thoughts  above, 

.Where  all  is  brightness,  goodness,  peace. 

If  we  have  done  a  brother  wrong, 

O  let  us  seek  to  be  forgiven ; 
Nor  let  one  discord  spoil  the  song 

Our  hearts  would  raise  this  day  to  He'aven. 

This  blessed  day,  when  the  pure  air 
Is  full  of  sweetness,  full  of  joy, 

When  all  around  is  calm  and  fair, 
Shall  we  the  harmony  destroy? 

O  may  it  be  our  earnest  care 

To  free  our  souls  from  every  sin  ; 

Then  will  each  day  be  bright  and  fair, 
For  God's  pure  sunshine  dwells  within. 


10  SACRED  SONGS. 

4  %y  J  • 

a  child's  evening  hymn. 

Before  I  close  my  eyes  in  sleep, 
Lord,  hear  my  evening  prayer  ; 

And  deign  a  helpless  one  to  keep 
By  thy  protecting  care. 

Though  young  in  years,  I  have  been  taught 

Thy  name  to  love  and  fear, 
Of  Thee  to  think  with  solemn  thought, 

Thy  goodness  to  revere. 

That  goodness  gives  each  simple  flower 

Its  scent  and  beauty  too, 
And  feeds  it  in  night's  darkest  hour 

With  heaven's  refreshing  dew. 

Nor  will  Thy  mercy  less  delight 

The  infant's  God  to  be, 
Who  through  the  long  defenceless  night 

For  safety  trusts  to  Thee. 

The  little  birds  that  sing  all  day 

In  many  a  leafy  wood, 
By  Thee  are  clothed  in  plumage  gay, 

•By  Thee  supplied  with  food. 

And  when  at  night  they  cease  to  sing, 

By  Thee  protected  still, 
Their  young  ones  sleep  beneath  their  wing 

Secure  from  every  ill. 

Thus  mayst  Thou  guard  with  gracious  arm 

The  couch  whereon  I  lie, 
And  keep  a  child  from  every  harm 

By  Thy  all-watchful  eye. 


SACRED  SONGS. 


For  night  and  day  to  Thee  are  one, 

The  helpless  are  thy  care  ; 
And  we  are  sure  through  thy  dear  Son 

Thou  hear'st  an  infant's  prayer.  > 


J      EVENING  ASPIRATIONS. 

God,  that  madest  earth  and  heaven, 

Darkness  and  light! 
Who  the  day,  for  toil  hast  given, 

For  rest,  the  night ! 
May  thine  angel  guards  defend  us, 
Slumber  sweet  thy  mercy  send  us, 
Holy  dreams  and  hopes  attend  us, 

This  livelong  night ! 


IS  CONTENTMENT. 

See  the  soft  green  willow  springing 

Where  the  waters  gently  pass  ; 
Every  way  her  free  arms  flinging 
O'er  the  moss  and  reedy  grass. 
Long  ere  winter  blasts  are  fled, 
See  her  tipp'd  with  vernal  red, 
And  her  kindly  flower  displayed 
Ere  her  leaf  can  cast  a  shade. 

Though  the  rudest  hand  assail  her, 
Patiently  she  droops  awhile ; 

But  when  showers  and  breezes  hail  her, 
Wears  again  her  willing  smile. 


12 


SACRED  SONGS. 


Thus  I  learn  Contentment's  power, 
From  the  slighted  willow  bower, 
Ready  to  give  thanks  and  live 
On  the  least  that  Heaven  may  give. 


PRAYER. 

Prayer  is  the  souPs  sincere  desire, 

Uttered  or  unexpress'd  ; 
*The  motion  of  a  hidden  fire, 

That  trembles  in  the  breast. 

Prayer  is  the  burden  of  a  sigh, 

The  falling  of  a  tear ; 
The  upward  glancing  of  the  eye, 

When  none  but  God  is  near. 

Prayer  is  the  simplest  form  of  speech 

That  infant  lips  can  try  : 
Prayer  the  sublimest  strains  that  reach 

The  Majesty  on  high. 

Prayer  is  the  Christian's  vital  breath, 
The  Christian's  native  air, 

His  watchword  at  the  gate  of  death  : 
He  enters  heaven  by  prayer. 

The  saints  in  prayer  appear  as  one, 
In  word  and  deed  and  mind  ; 

While  with  the  Father  and  the  Son 
Sweet  fellowship  they  find. 

O  thou  by  whom  we  come  to  God, 
The  Life,  the  Truth,  the  Way, 

The  path  of  prayer  thyself  hast  trod  ; 
Lord,  teach  us  how  to  pray. 


SACRED  SONGS. 


CHRIST   OUR  EXAMPLE   IN  SUFFERING. 

Go  to  dark  Gethsemane, 
Ye  that  feel  temptation's  power, 
Your  Redeemer's  conflict  see, 
Watch  with  him  one  bitter  hour. 
Turn  not  from  his  griefs  away, 
Learn  of  Jesus  Christ  to  pray. 

Follow  to  the  judgment  hall, 
View  the  Lord  of  life  arraign'd. 
O  the  wormwood  and  the  gall ! 
O  the  pangs  his  soul  sustain'd. 
Shun  not  suffering,  shame,  or  loss, 
Learn  of  him  to  bear  the  cross. 

Calvary's  mournful  mountain  climb, 
There,  admiring  at  his  feet, 
Mark  that  miracle  of  time, 
See  his  sacrifice  complete  ; 

It  is  finish'd,'  hear  him  cry  ; 
Learn  of  Jesus  Christ  to  die. 

Early  hasten  to  the  tomb 

Where  they  laid  his  breathless  clay  ; 

All  is  solitude  and  gloom  ; 

— Who  has  taken  him  away  ? 

Christ  is  risen  ;  he  meets  our  eyes, 

Saviour,  teach  us  so  to  rise. 


c  THE  LORD  IS  MY  STRENGTH. 

Almighty  Father!  I  am  weak, 
But  thou  wilt  strengthen  me, 
2 


14  SACRED  SONGS. 

If  from  my  heart  I  humbly  seek 
For  help  and  light  from  thee. 

When  I  am  tempted  to  do  wrong, 

Then,  Father,  pity  me, 
And  make  my  failing  virtue  strong; 

Help  me  to  think  of  thee  ! 

Let  Christian  courage  guard  my  youth ; 

That  courage  give  to  me, 
Which  ever  speaks  and  acts  the  truth, 

And  puts  its  trust  in  thee. 


ENCOURAGEMENT  TO   LITTLE  CHILDREN, 

God  is  so  good  that  he  will  hear 
Whenever  children  humbly  pray; 

He  always  lends  a  gracious  ear 

To  what  the  youngest  child  can  say. 

His  own  most  holy  book  declares 
He  loves  good  little  children  still, 

And  that  he  listens  to  their  pray'rs, 
Just  as  a  tender  father  will. 

He  loves  to  hear  an  infant  tongue 
Thank  him  for  all  his  mercies  givyn  ; 

And  when  by  babes  his  praise  is  sung, 
Their  cheerful  songs  are  heard  in  heav'n. 

Come,  then,  dear  children,  trust  his  word, 
And  seek  him  for  your  friend  and  guide ; 

Your  little  voices  will  be  heard, 
And  you  shall  never  be  denied. 


SACRED  SONGS. 


THE   KIND  SHEPHERD. 

See  the  kind  shepherd,  Jesus,  stands, 
And  calls  his  sheep  by  name  : 

Gathers  the  feeble  in  his  arms, 
And  feeds  the  tender  lamb. 

He  '11  lead  us  to  the  heavenly  streams, 

Where  living  waters  flow  : 
And  guide  us  to  the  fruitful  fields, 

Where  trees  of  knowledge  grow. 

When  wandering  from  the  fold,  we  leave 
The  straight  and  narrow  way, 

Our  faithful  Shepherd  still  is  near, 
To  guide  us,  lest  we  stray. 

The  feeblest  lamb  amidst  the  flock 
Shall  be  the  Shepherd's  care  ; 

While  folded  in  the  Saviour's  arm, 
We  5re  safe  from  every  snare. 

4  — 

I 

AGAINST  ANGER  AND  IMPATIENCE. 

When  for  some  little  insult  giv'n, 

My  angry  passions  rise, 
I  '11  think  how  Jesus  came  from  heav'n, 

And  bore  his  injuries. 

He  was  insulted  every  day, 

Though  all  his  words  were  kind  ; 

But  nothing  men  could  do  or  say, 
Disturb'd  his  heav'nly  mind. 


16 


SACRED  SONGS. 


Not  all  the  wicked  scoffs  he  heard. 
Against  the  truths  he  taught, 

Excited  one  reviling  word, 
Or  one  revengeful  thought. 

And  when  upon  the  cross  he  bled, 

With  all  his  foes  in  view  ; 
"  Father,  forgive  their  sin,"  he  said, 

"  They  know  not  what  they  do." 

Dear  Jesus,  may  I  learn  of  thee, 

My  temper  to  amend  ; 
But  speak  the  pard'ning  word  for  me, 

Whenever  I  offend. 


HYMN. 

Praise  to  God,  O  let  us  raise 
From  our  hearts  a  song  of  praise  ; 
Of  that  goodness  let  us  sing 
Whence  our  lives  and  blessings  spring. 

Praise  to  him  who  made  the  light, 
Praise  to  him  who  gave  us  sight, 
Praise  to  him  who  form'd  the  ear ; 
Will  he  not  his  children  hear  ? 

Praise  him  for  our  happy  hours, 
Praise  him  for  our  varied  powers, 
For  these  thoughts  that  rise  above, 
For  these  hearts  he  made  for  love. 

For  the  voice  he  placed  within, 
Bearing  witness  when  we  sin ; 


SACRED  SONGS. 


17 


Praise  to  him  whose  tender  care 
Keeps  this  watchful  guardian  there. 

Praise  his  mercy,  that  did  send 
Jesus  for  our  guide  and  friend ; 
Praise  him,  every  heart  and  voice, 
Him  who  makes  all  worlds  rejoice. 


MORNING  HYMN. 

Another  smiling  day  1  see, 
Another  day,  my  God,  for  thee  ; 
To  thee  may  I  devote  my  powers, 
And  all  these  bright  and  happy  hours. 

Another  smiling  day  1  see  ! 
Then  let  me  bend  in  prayer  to  thee, 
And  thank  thee  for  the  tranquil  rest, 
The  sleep  thy  guardian  care  has  blest. 

Another  smiling  day  I  see, 

And  various  duties  point  to  thee  ; 

Let  each  devoted  action  prove 

Thy  child's  unbounded  faith  and  love. 

When  evening's  tranquil  shades  descend, 
With  thee  this  smiling  day  shall  end, 
And  still  the  darker  shades  of  night 
Thy  presence,  Lord  !  shall  gild  with  light. 


1      AGAINST   WANDERING  THOUGHTS. 

When  daily  I  kneel  down  to  pray, 
As  I  am  taught  to  do, 
2* 


is 


SACRED  SONGS. 


God  does  not  care  for  what  I  say, 
Unless  I  feel  it  too. 

Yet  foolish  thoughts  my  heart  beguile, 

And  when  I  pray  or  sing, 
I 'm  often  thinking  all  the  while, 

About  some  other  thing. 

Some  idle  play,  or  childish  toy, 
Can  send  my  thoughts  abroad  ; 

Though  this  should  be  my  greatest  joy, 
To  love  and  seek  the  Lord. 

Oh  !  let  me  never,  never  dare 

To  act  the  trifler's  part, 
Or  think  that  God  will  hear  a  pray'r, 

That  comes  not  from  the  heart. 

But  if  I  make  his  ways  my  choice, 

As  holy  children  do, 
Then,  while  I  seek  him  with  my  voice, 

My  heart  will  love  him  too. 

4  - 

THE  CHILD'S  RESOURCE  IN  ANGRY  MOMENTS. 

When  in  my  heart  rise  angry  thoughts, 
And  on  my  tongue  are  words  unkind, 

With  what  strong  chains,  by  what  blest  art, 
Shall  I  the  wrathful  spirit  bind  ? 

How  shall  I  check  the  passion  fierce 
My  youthful  bosom  finds  so  strong, 

Which  bids  me  utter  words  that  pierce, 
And  seek  to  do  my  neighbour  wrong  ? 


SACRED  SONGS. 


Oh  meek  and  peaceful  Jesus  !  then 
To  thee,  to  thee  my  soul  shall  turn  ; 

I  will  look  up  from  earth  and  men  ; 
To  copy  thee,  my  soul  shall  learn. 

Remembering  thee,  thou  gentle  one, 
How  mildly  thou  didst  bear  all  wrong ; 

The  sin  of  anger  I  shall  shun, 

Nor  find  my  temper  stubborn  long. 

A  holy  spell  thy  name  shall  be, 
The  memory  of  thy  peaceful  life, 

And  I  will  straightway  think  of  thee, 
Whene'er  my  soul  would  rise  in  strife. 


HYMN  FOR  A  LITTLE  CHILD. 

In  winter  where  can  be  the  flowers, 
The  leaves  that  look  so  green  ? 

There 's  not  a  bud  in  all  the  bowers, 
Nor  daisy  to  be  seen. 

And  who  will  bring  them  back  again, 
When  pleasant  spring  comes  out  ? 

And  plant  them  up  and  down  the  lane, 
And  spread  them  all  about  ? 

And  who  will  bring  the  little  lambs 

With  wool  as  soft  as  silk, 
And  teach  them  how  to  know  their  dams, 

And  where  to  find  the  milk  1 

And  who  will  teach  the  little  birds 
To  build  their  nests  on  high, 


20 


SACRED  SONGS. 


And  though  they  cannot  speak  in  words 
To  teach  their  young  to  fly  1 

The  Lord  in  heaven — 't  is  there  he  dwells 
Who  all  these  things  can  do  ; 

And  his  own  book,  the  bible,  tells 
Much  more  about  him  too. 


FOR  A   VERY  LITTLE  CHILD. 

0  that  it  were  my  chief  delight, 
To  do  the  things  I  ought  ! 

Then  let  me  try  with  all  my  might, 
To  mind  what  I  am  taught. 

Whenever  I  am  told  to  go, 

I  '11  cheerfully  obey  ;  \ 
Nor  will  I  mind  it  much,  although 

1  leave  a  pretty  play. 

When  I  am  bid,  I  '11  freely  bring 

Whatever  I  have  got  ; 
And  never  touch  a  pretty  thing, 

If  mother  tells  me  not. 

When  she  permits  me  I  may  tell 

About  my  little  toys  ; 
But  if  she's  busy  or  unwell, 

I  must  not  make  a  noise. 

And  when  I  learn  my  hymns  to  say, 
And  work  and  read  and  spell, 

1  will  not  think  about  my  play 

But  try  to  do  them  well. 


SACRED  SONGS. 


21 


For  God  looks  down  from  heav'n  on  high, 

Our  actions  to  behold  ; 
And  he  is  pleas'd  when  children  try 

To  do  as  they  are  told. 


'  THY  WILL   BE  DONE.' 

How  sweet  to  be  allow'd  to  pray 

To  God,  the  holy  One, 
With  filial  love  and  trust  to  say, 

*  Father  thy  will  be  done/ 

We  in  these  sacred  words  can  find 

A  cure  for  every  ill, 
They  calm  and  soothe  the  troubled  mind, 

And  bid  all  care  be  still. 

O  let  that  will,  which  gave  me  breath 

And  an  immortal  soul, 
In  joy  or  grief,  in  life  or  death, 

My  every  wish  control. 

O  could  my  heart  thus  ever  pray, 

Thus  imitate  thy  Son  ! 
Teach  me,  O  God,  with  truth  to  say, 

'  Thy  will,  not  mine,  be  done.' 


AN   EVENING  HYMN. 

Lord,  I  have  pass'd  another  day, 

And  come  to  thank  thee  for  thy  care  ; 


SACRED  SONGS. 


Forgive  my  faults  in  work  and  play, 
And  listen  to  my  ev'ning  pray'r. 

Thy  favor  gives  me  daily  bread, 

And  friends  who  all  my  wants  supply  ; 

And  safely  now  I  rest  my  head, 

Preserv'd  and  guarded  by  thine  eye. 

Look  down  in  pity,  and  forgive 
Whatever  1  have  done  amiss  ; 

And  help  me,  ev'ry  day  I  live, 

To  serve  thee  better  than  in  this. 

Now,  while  I  sleep,  be  pleas'd  to  take 
A  helpless  child  beneath  thy  care  ; 

And  condescend  for  Jesus'  sake, 
To  listen  to  my  ev'ning  pray'r. 


SPRING. 

Hark  !  the  little  birds  are  singing — 
Winter's  gone  and  summer's  near  ; 

See  the  tender  grass  is  springing, 
And  the  flowers  will  soon  be  here. 

Who  made  the  winter  and  the  spring  ? 

Who  painted  all  the  flowers? 
Who  taught  the  little  birds  to  sing, 

And  made  these  hearts  of  ours  ? 

O  !Ct  is  God  !  how  good  he  is  ! 

He  does  every  blessing  give  : 
All  thisjiappy  world  is  his — 

Let  us  love  him  while  we  live. 


SACRED  SONGS, 


23 


SUMMER. 

'Tis  Summer — glorious  Summer- 
Look  to  the  glad  green  earth, 
How  from  her  grateful  bosom, 
The  herb  and  flower  spring  forth— 
These  are  her  rich  thanksgivings, 
Their  incense  floats  above  ! 
Father  !  what  may  we  offer  ? 
Thy  chosen  flower — is  love  I 

'T  is  Summer, — blessed  Summer — ' 
The  lofty  hills  are  bright, 
All  nature's  fountains  sparkle — 
Shall  ours  have  lesser  light  1 
No  !  bid  each  spirit  praise  Him 
Who  hangs  on  every  tree 
A  thousand  living  lyres, 
Awaking  harmony  ! 

'T  is  summer  in  our  bosoms, 
When  youthful  snares  we  fly, 
And  strength  and  peace  are  given,, 
By  angel  ministry — 
'T  is  Summer  in  yon  Heaven, 
Where,  Teachers,  ye  shall  learn, 
From  age  to  age,  the  blessedness, 
Your  Sabbath  work  begun  I 


TWENTY-NINTH  PSALM. 


In  the  beauty  of  holiness  worship  the  Lord  ; 
Exalt  him,  ye  nations,  and  bow  to  his  word  ; 


24  SACRED  SONGS. 

Ye  mighty,  his  power  and  wisdom  proclaim, 
And  give  him  the  glory  due  unto  his  name. 

It  is  He  that  we  hear  in  the  storm's  wild  com- 
motion ; 

And  the  voice  of  the  Lord  is  on  the  wide  ocean  • 
The  cedars  of  Lebanon  bow  at  his  voice, 
While  men  in  his  temple  adore  and  rejoice. 

'T  is  the  Lord  in  the  deep  rolling  thunder  we 
hear  ; 

While  the  untrodden  wilderness  trembles  with 
fear  ; 

O'er  the  high  tossing  billows  unseen  is  his 
way  ; 

Him,  the  floods,  and  the  flames,  and  the  whirl- 
winds obey. 

He  spreads  o'er  his  people  the  wings  of  his 
love, 

And  gives  them  the  peace  which  descends 

from  above ; 
Then  give  him  the  glory  and  praise  evermore  ; 
And  join  with  all  nature  his  name  to  adore. 


ON   THE   DEATH   OF   A   YOUNG  COMPANION. 

Farewell  for  a  time  ! 

Thou  hast  gone  to  that  clime 
Where  sickness  and  sorrow  are  o'er. 

We  loved  thee  when  here, 

We  shed  the  sad  tear, 
To  think  we  shall  see  thee  no  more. 


SACRED  SONGS. 


25 


We  weep  not  for  thee, 

We  remember  that  he 
Who  made  little  children  his  care, 

In  his  own  Father-land 

Will  reach  you  his  hand, 
And  comfort  and  welcome  you  there. 

Our  tears  they  will  flow  ; 

But  do  we  not  know 
That  thou  art  releas'd  from  all  pain? 

Then  weep  not,  for  he 

Who  walk'd  on  the  sea 
Has  said  we  shall  all  live  again. 


THE  MINISTRY  OF  PAIN. 

Cease,  my  complaining  spirit,  cease  ; 
Know  5t  is  a  father's  hand  you  feel  ; 
It  leads  you  to  the  realms  of  peace, 
It  kindly  only  wounds  to  heal. 

My  father,  what  a  holy  joy 
Bursts  on  the  sad,  desponding  mind, 
To  say  when  fiercest  ills  annoy, 
1  know  my  father  still  is  kind. 

This  bids  each  trembling  fear  be  still, 
Checks  every  murmur,  every  sigh, 
Patience  then  waits  his  sovereign  will 
Rejoic'd  to  live — resign'd  to  die. 

O  blessed  ministry  of  pain, 
To  teach  the  soul  its  real  worth 
3 


26 


SACRED  SONGS. 


To  lead  it  to  that  source  again 
From  whence  it  first  deriv'd  its  birth. 


FOR  CHRISTIAN  PRINCIPLES, 

My  God,  my  strength,  my  hope, 

On  thee  1  cast  my  care, 
With  humble  confidence  look  up, 

And  know  thou  hear'st  my  prayer. 

Give  me  on  thee  to  wait, 

Till  I  can  all  things  do; 
On  thee,  Almighty  to  create, 

Almighty  to  renew. 

I  want  a  sober  mind, 

A  self  renouncing  will, 
That  tramples  down  and  casts  behind 

The  baits  of  pleasing  ill  ; 

A  soul  inur'd  to  pain, 

To  hardship,  grief  and  loss, 
Bold  to  take  up,  firm  to  sustain 

The  consecrated  cross. 

I  want  a  godly  fear  ; 

A  quick  discerning  eye, 
That  looks  to  thee  when  sin  is  near, 

And  sees  the  tempter  fly  ; 

A  spirit  still  prepar'd, 

And  arm'd  with  jealous  care, 
Forever  standing  on  its  guard 

And  watching  unto  prayer. 


SACRED  SONGS. 


27 


1  want  a  true  regard, 

A  single  steady  aim, 
Unmov'd  by  threat'ning  or  reward, 

To  thee,  and  thy  great  name  ; 

A  zealous,  just,  concern 

For  thine  immortal  praise  ; 
A  pure  desire  that  all  may  learn, 

And  glorify  thy  grace. 

I  rest  upon  thy  word  ; 

The  promise  is  for  me  : 
My  succor  and  salvation  Lord 

Shall  surely  come  from  thee  ; 

But  let  me  still  abide, 

Nor  from  my  hope  remove, 
Till  thou  my  patient  spirit  guide 

Into  thy  perfect  love. 


Great  source  of  being, 
Father  all  seeing  ! 
We  bow  before  thee, 
Our  souls  adore  thee, 
Help  us  obey  thee, 
Guide  us  aright, 
Keep  us,  we  pray  thee, 
Through  the  long  night. 

Thou  kind,  forgiving 
God  of  all  living, 
Thy  power  defend  us, 


EVENING  PRAYER. 


SACRED  SONGS. 


Thy  peace  attend  us, 
While  we  are  closing 
This  day  in  prayer, 
Ever  reposing 
Under  thy  care. 


VIRTUOUS  ASPIRATIONS. 

The  bird,  let  loose  in  eastern  skies, 
When  hast'ning  fondly  home, 

Ne'er  stoops  to  earth  her  wing,  nor  flies 
Where  idle  warblers  roam. 

But  high  she  shoots  through  air  and  light, 

Above  all  low  delay, 
Where  nothing  earthly  bounds  her  flight, 

Nor  shadow  dims  her  way. 

So  grant  me,  God,  from  every  care 

And  stain  of  passion  free, 
Aloft,  through  virtue's  purer  air, 

To  hold  my  course  to  thee. 

No  sin  to  cloud,  no  lure  to  stay 
My  soul  as  home  she  springs  ; 

Thy  sunshine  on  her  joyful  way, 
Thy  freedom  on  her  wings. 


THE  ISRAELITE  WITHOUT  GUILE. 

The  child-like  faith  that  asks  not  sight, 
Waits  not  for  wonder  or  for  sign, 


SACRED  SONGS. 


29 


Believes  because  it  loves  aright, — 
Shall  see  things  greater,  things  divine. 

Heaven  to  his  gaze  shall  open  wide, 
And  brightest  angels,  to  and  fro, 

On  messages  of  love  shall  glide 

'Twixt  God  above  and  Christ  below. 

So  still  the  guileless  man  is  blest, 

To  him  all  crooked  paths  are  straight, 

Him  on  his  way  to  endless  rest 

Fresh,  evergrowing  strengths  await. 


DEVOTION  IN  YOUTH. 

By  cool  Siloam's  shady  rill 

How  sweet  the  lily  grows! 
How  sweet  the  breath  beneath  the  hill 

Of  Sharon's  dewy  rose  ! 

Lo,  such  the  child  whose  early  feet 
The  paths  of  peace  have  trod ; 

Whose  secret  heart  with  influence  sweet, 
Is  upward  drawn  to  God. 

By  cool  Siloam's  shady  rill 

The  lily  must  decay  ; 
The  rose  that  blooms  beneath  the  hill 

Must  shortly  fade  away. 

And  soon,  too  soon,  the  wintry  hour 

Of  man's  maturer  age 
Will  shake  the  soul  with  sorrow's  power, 

And  stormy  passion's  rage  ! 
3* 


30 


SACRED  SONGS. 


O  Thou  !  who  giv'st  us  life  and  breath, 

We  seek  thy  grace  alone, 
In  childhood,  manhood,  age,  and  death, 

To  keep  us  still  thine  own  ! 


THE   SECRET   OF   PERPETUAL  YOUTH. 

The  heart  of  childhood  is  all  mirth  : 

We  frolic  to  and  fro 
As  free  and  gay  as  if  on  earth 

Were  no  such  thing  as  wo. 

But  if  indeed  with  reckless  faith 
We  trust  the  nattering  voice, 

Which  whispers,  '  Take  thy  fill  ere  death, 
Indulge  thee  and  rejoice  ; 1 

Too  surely,  every  setting  day, 
Some  lost  delight  we  mourn  ; 

The  flow'rs  all  die  along  our  way 
Till  we,  too,  die  forlorn. 

Who,  but  a  christian,  through  a  life 

That  blessing  may  prolong  ? 
Who,  through  the  world's  sad  day  of  strife, 

Still  chant  his  morning  song  ? 

We  may  look  home,  and  seek  in  vain 

A  fond  fraternal  heart, 
But  Christ  has  given  his  promise  plain 

To  do  a  brother's  part. 


SACRED  SONGS. 


Nor  shall  dull  age,  as  worldlings  say, 
The  heavenward  flame  annoy  : 

The  Saviour  cannot  pass  away, 
And  with  him  lives  our  joy. 


THE   PURE   IN  HEART. 

Bless'd  are  the  pure  in  heart, 
For  they  shall  see  our  God, 

The  secret  of  the  Lord  is  theirs, 
Their  soul  is  Christ's  abode. 

Still  to  the  lowly  soul 
He  doth  himself  impart, 

And  for  His  cradle  and  His  throne 
Chooseth  the  pure  in  heart. 


THE  WANT  WITHIN. 

I  feel  within  a  want, 

Forever  burning  there, 
What  I  so  thirst  for,  grant, 

0  thou,  who  hearest  prayer. 

This  is  the  thing  I  crave, 
A  likeness  to  thy  Son  ; 

This  would  I  rather  have, 
Than  call  the  world  my  own. 

Like  him,  now  in  my  youth, 

1  long,  O  God,  to  be, 
In  tenderness  and  truth, 

In  sweet  humility. 


SACRED  SONGS. 


,rTis  my  most  fervent  prayer, 
Be  it  more  fervent  still, 

Be  it  my  highest  care, 
Be  it  my  settled  will  ! 


SOLITUDE. 

My  heavenly  Father !  all  I  see 

Around  me  and  above, 
Sends  forth  a  hymn  of  praise  to  thee, 

And  speaks  thy  boundless  love. 

The  clear  blue  sky  is  full  of  thee, 
The  woods  so  dark  and  lone  ; 

The  soft  south-wind,  the  sounding  sea, 
Worship  the  Holy  One. 

The  humming  of  the  insect  throng, 
The  prattling,  sparkling  rill, 

The  birds  with  their  melodious  song, 
Repeat  thy  praises  still. 

And  thou  dost  hear  them  every  one,- 

Father,  thou  hearest  me  ; 
I  know  that  I  am  not  alone, 

When  I  but  think  of  thee. 


GOD  IS  GOOD. 

God  thou  art  good  !    Each  perfumed  flower, 
The  waving  field,  the  dark  green  wood, 


STAC  RED  SONGS. 


The  insect  fluttering  for  an  hour, 
All  things  proclaim  that  God  is  good. 

I  hear  it  in  each  breath  of  wind  ; 

The  hills  that  have  for  ages  stood, 
And  clouds  with  gold  and  silver  lin'd, 

All  still  repeat  that  God  is  good. 

Each  little  rill  that  many  a  year 
Has  the  same  verdant  path  pursued, 

And  every  bird  in  accents  clear, 
Joins  in  the  song,  that  God  is  good. 

The  restless  sea,  with  haughty  roar, 
Calms  each  wild  wave  and  billow  rude, 

Retreats  submissive  from  the  shore, 
And  swells  the  chorus,  '  God  is  good.' 

The  countless  hosts  of  twinkling  stars, 
That  sing  his  praise  with  light  renew'd 

The  rising  sun  each  day  declares, 
In  rays  of  glory,  God  is  good. 

The  moon,  that  walks  in  brightness,  says, 
That  God  is  good  !    And  man,  endued 

With  power  to  speak  his  Maker's  praise, 
Should  still  repeat  that  God  is  good. 


AGAINST  SELFISHNESS. 

Love  and  kindness  we  may  measure 
By  this  simple  rule  alone  : 

Do  we  mind  our  neighbour's  pleasure, 
Just  as  if  it  were  our  own  ? 


34 


SACRED  SONGS. 


Let  us  try  to  care  for  others, 
Nor  suppose  ourselves  the  best  ; 

We  should  all  be  friends  and  brothers  ; 
'T  was  the  Saviour's  last  request. 

His  example  we  should  borrow. 
Who  descended  from  above, 

And  endur'd  such  pain  and  sorrow, 
Out  of  tenderness  and  love. 

When  the  poor  are  unbefriended, 
When  we  will  not  pity  lend, 

Christ  accounts  himselfoffended, 
Who  is  every  creature's  friend. 

Let  us  not  be  so  ungrateful, 
Thus  his  goodness  to  reward  : 

Selfishness,  indeed,  is  hateful 
In  the  followers  of  the  Lord. 

When  a  selfish  thought  would  seize  us, 

And  our  resolution  break, 
Let  us  then  remember  Jesus, 

And  resist  it  for  his  sake. 


'  AND  HE  TOOK  THEM  UP    IN    HIS  ARMS,  PUT  HIS 
HANDS  ON  THEM,  AND  BLESSED  THEM.' 

Blessings  on  thee,  gracious  Lord  ! 

Every  child  shall  bless  thy  name, 
For  each  gentle  look  or  word 

When  to  thee  the  children  came. 


SACRED  SONGS. 


35 


Happy  child,  upon  whose  head, 

As  he  sat  upon  thy  knee, 
Thy  kind  hand  was  softly  laid, 

Blessing  him— '-how  tenderly  ! 

Hark  !  that  voice  is  rais'd  in  prayer, 
Which  could  still  the  tempest  wild  ; 

Lo  !  that  mighty  hand  is  there, 
Laid  in  blessing  on  a  child. 

Blessings  on  thee,  gracious  Lord  ! 

Every  child  shall  bless  thy  name, 
For  each  gentle  look  and  word, 

When  to  thee  the  children  came. 


EVENING. 

How  beautiful  the  setting  sun  ! 

The  clouds  how  bright  and  gay  ! 
The  stars  appearing  one  by  one, 

How  beautiful  are  they  ! 

And  when  the  moon  climbs  up  the  sky, 

And  sheds  her  gentle  light, 
And  hangs  her  crystal  lamp  on  high, 

How  beautiful  is  night  1 

And  can  it  be  I  am  possess'd 

Of  something  brighter  far  ? 
Glows  there  a  light  within  this  breast 

Outshining  every  star  ? 

Yes  ;  should  the  sun  and  stars  turn  pale, 
The  mountains  melt  away, 


36 


SACRED  MUSIC. 


This  flame  within  shall  never  fail, 
But  live  in  endless  day. 

This  is  the  soul  that  God  has  given, — 

Sin  may  its  lustre  dim  ; 
While  goodness  bears  it  up  to  heaven, 

And  leads  it  back  to  him. 


HYMN. 

It  was  my  heavenly  Father's  love 

Brought  every  being  forth  : 
He  made  the  shining  worlds  above, 

And  every  thing  on  earth. 

Each  lovely  flower,  the  smallest  fly, 

The  sea  the  waterfall, 
The  bright  green  fields,  the  clear  blue  sky 

'T  is  God  that  made  them  all. 

He  gave  me  all  my  friends,  and  taught 

My  heart  to  love  them  well, 
And  he  bestowed  the  power  of  thought, 

And  speech  my  thoughts  to  tell. 

My  father  and  my  mother  dear, — 

He  is  their  father  too ; 
He  bids  me  all  their  precepts  hear, 

And  all  they  teach  me,  do. 

God  sees  and  hears  me  all  the  day, 
And  'mid  the  darkest  night ; 


SACRED  SONGS. 


He  views  me  when  I  disobey, 
And  when  1  act  aright. 

He  guards  me  with  a  parent's  care, 

When  I  am  all  alone  : 
My  hymn  of  praise,  my  humble  prayer, 

He  hears  them  every  one. 

God  hears  what  I  am  saying  now, 
O  !  what  a  wond'rous  thought ! 

My  heavenly  Father  teach  me  how 
To  love  thee  as  I  ought. 


DELIGHT  IN  PRAYER. 

Go  when  the  morning  shineth, 

Go,  when  the  moon  is  bright, 
Go,  when  the  eve  declineth, 

Go,  in  the  hush  of  night  ; 
Go,  with  pure  mind  and  feeling, 

Fling  earthly  thought  away, 
And  in  thy  chamber  kneeling 

Do  thou  in  secret  pray. 

Remember  all  who  love  thee, 

All  who  are  loved  by  thee, 
Pray  too,  for  those  who  hate  thee 

If  any  such  there  be  ; 
Then  for  thyself  in  meekness 

A  blessing  humbly  claim, 
And  link  with  each  petition 

Thy  great  Redeemer's  name. 

4 


38 


SACRED  SONGS. 


Or,  if 't  is  e'er  denied  thee 

In  solitude  to  pray, 
Should  holy  thoughts  come  o'er  thee 

When  friends  are  round  thy  way  ; 
E'en  then  the  silent  breathing 

Thy  spirit  rais'd  above 
Will  reach  His  throne  of  glory 

Who 's  mercy,  truth,  and  love. 

Oh  !  not  a  joy  nor  blessing 

With  this  can  we  compare 
The  power  that  he  hath  giv'n  us 

To  pour  our  souls  in  prayer  ! 
Whene'er  thou  pin'st  in  sadness, 

Before  his  footstool  fall, 
Remember,  in  thy  gladness, 

His  love  who  gave  thee  all. 


ON  PRAYER. 

As  through  the  pathless  fields  of  air 
Once  wandered  forth  the  timid  dove, 

So  does  the  heart,  in  humble  prayer, 
Essay  to  reach  the  throne  of  love. 

Like  her  it  may  return  unblest, 

Like  her  again  may  soar, 
And  still  return  and  find  no  rest, 

No  peaceful,  happy  shore. 

But  now  once  more  she  spreads  her  wings, 

And  Ukes  a  bolder  flight, 
And  see  !  the  olive  branch  she  brings, 

To  bless  her  master's  sight. 


SACRED  SONGS. 


And  thus  the  heart  renews  its  strength, 
Though  spent  and  tempest  driven, 

And  higher  soars,  and  brings  at  length 
A  pledge  of  peace  with  heaven. 


Feeble,  helpless,  how  shall  I 
Learn  to  live,  and  learn  to  die  ? 
Who,  O  God,  ray  guide  shall  be  ? 
Who  shall  lead  thy  child  to  thee  ? 

Blessed  Father,  gracious  one  ! 
Thou  hast  sent  thy  holy  Son, 
He  will  give  the  light  I  need, 
He  my  trembling  steps  will  lead. 

Through  this  world,  uncertain,  dim, 
Let  me  ever  lean  on  him  ; 
From  his  precepts,  wisdom  draw, 
Make  his  life  my  solemn  law. 

Thus  in  deed,  and  thought,  and  word, 
Led  by  Jesus  Christ,  the  Lord, 
In  my  meekness,  thus  shall  I 
Learn  to  live,  and  learn  to  die. 

Learn  to  live  in  peace  and  love, 
Like  the  perfect  ones  above, 
Learn  to  die  without  a  fear, 
Feeling  thee  my  Father,  near. 


TRUST  IN  JESUS. 


5 


40 


SACRED  SONGS. 


THE  SHEPHERD'S  SABBATH  SONG. 

(Translated  from  the  German.) 

This  is  the  Sabbath  day  ! 
In  the  wide  field  I  am  alone. 
Hark  !  now  one  morning  bell's  sweet  tone : 

Now  it  has  died  away. 

Kneeling  I  worship  Thee  ; 
Sweet  dread  doth  o'er  my  spirit  steal 
From  whispering  sounds  of  those  who  kneel 

Unseen  to  pray  with  me. 

Around  and  far  away 
So  clear  and  solemn  is  the  sky, 
It  seems  all  opening  to  my  eye  ; 

This  is  the  Sabbath  day  ! 

THE  BOOK  OF  NATURE. 

There  is  a  book,  who  runs  may  read, 
Which  heavenly  truth  imparts, 

And  all  the  love  its  scholars  need, 
Pure  eyes  and  Christian  hearts. 

The  works  of  God  above,  below, 

Within  us,  and  around, 
Are  pages  in  that  book,  to  show 

How  God  himself  is  found. 

The  glorious  sky  embracing  all 

Is  like  the  Maker's  love, 
Wherewith  encompass'd,  great  and  small 

In  peace  and  order  move. 


SACRED  SONGS. 


41 


The  dew  of  Heaven  is  like  His  grace, 

It  steals  in  silence  down  ; 
But  where  it  lights,  the  favor'd  place 

By  richest  fruits  is  known. 

One  Name,  above  all  glorious  names, 
With  its  ten  thousand  tongues, 

The  everlasting  sea  proclaims. 
Echoing  angelic  songs. 

The  raging  fire,  the  roaring  wind, 
Thy  boundless  power  display; 

But  in  the  gentler  breeze  we  find 
Thy  spirit's  viewless  way. 

Thou,  who  hast  given  me  eyes  to  see 
And  love  this  sight  so  fair, 

Give  me  a  heart  to  find  out  Thee, 
And  read  Thee  everywhere. 


'  THEY  THAT  SOW  IN  TEARS  SHALL  REAP  IN  JOY.' 

Art  thou  a  child  of  tears, 

Cradled  in  care  and  wo  ? 
And  seems  it  hard,  thy  vernal  years 

Few  vernal  joys  can  show  ? 

And  fall  the  sounds  of  mirth 

Sad  on  thy  lonely  heart, 
From  all  the  hopes  and  charms  of  earth 

Untimely  call'd  to  part  ? 
6 


42 


SACRED  SONGS. 


If  thou  would'st  reap  in  love, 

First  sow  in  holy  fear  ; 
So  life  a  winter's  morn  may  prove 

To  a  bright  endless  year. 


CONSCIENCE. 

When  a  foolish  thought  within 

Tries  to  take  us  in  a  snare, 
Conscience  tells  us,  "  It  is  sin," 

And  entreats  us  to  beware. 

If  in  something  we  transgress, 

And  are  tempted  to  deny, 
Conscience  says,  "  Your  fault  confess, 

Do  not  dare  to  tell  a  lie." 

In  the  morning  when  we  rise, 
And  would  fain  omit  to  pray, 
Child,  consider,"  Conscience  cries  ; 
"  Should  not  God  be  sought  to-day  ?  " 

When,  within  his  holy  walls, 

Far  abroad  our  thoughts  we  send, 

Conscience  often  loudly  calls, 
And  entreats  us  to  attend. 

When  our  angry  passions  rise, 
Tempting  to  revenge  an  ill ; 

"  Now  subdue  it  "  Conscience  cries  ; 
"  Do  command  your  temper  still." 

Thus,  without  our  will  or  choice, 
This  good  monitor  within, 


SACRED  SONGS. 


With  a  secret,  warning  voice, 
Warns  us  to  beware  of  sin. 

But  if  we  should  disregard, 

While  this  friendly  voice  would  call, 
Conscience  soon  will  grow  so  hard, 

That  it  will  not  speak  at  all. 


'  I  WILL  ARISE  AND  GO  TO  MY  FATHER.' 

Help  me,  O  God,  to  trust  in  thee, 

Thou  high  and  holy  One  I 
And  may  my  troubled  spirit  flee 

For  rest,  to  Thee  alone. 

In  thee  alone  the  soul  can  find 

Secure  and  sweet  repose  ; 
And  thou  can'st  bid  the  desert  mind 

To  blossom  as  the  rose. 

Let  not  this  spirit,  formed  to  rise 
Where  angels  claim  their  birth, 

Forsake  its  home  beyond  the  skies, 
And  cling  to  barren  earth. 

The  bird  of  passage  knows  the  sign 

That  warns  him  to  depart; 
Shall  I  not  heed  the  voice  divine, 

That  whispers  in  my  heart, 

'  Up  !  plume  thy  wing,  soar  far  away, 

No  longer  idly  roam  ! — 
Fly  to  the  realms  of  endless  day  ; 

For  this  is  not  thy  home.' 
7 


44 


SACRED  SONGS. 


This  still,  small  voice,  O  may  I  hear  ! 

Ere  Conscience  wakes  within, 
And  whispers  in  my  startled  ear 

The  certain  doom  of  sin. 

Father  !  to  thee  my  spirit  cries  ! 

Thy  wandering  child  reclaim. 
Speak  !  and  my  dying  faith  shall  rise, 

And  wake  a  deathless  flame. 


How  blest  the  righteous  when  he  dies  ! 

When  sinks  a  weary  soul  to  rest. 
How  mildly  beam  the  closing  eyes, 

How  gently  heaves  the  expiring  breast ! 

So  fades  a  summer  cloud  away, 

So  sinks  the  gale  when  storms  are  o'er, 

So  gently  shuts  the  eye  of  day. 
So  dies  a  wave  along  the  shore. 

A  holy  quiet  reigns  around, 

A  calm  which  life  nor  death  destroys; 
Nothing  disturbs  that  peace  profound 

Which  his  unfetter'd  soul  enjoys. 

Life's  duty  done,  as  sinks  the  day, 
Light  from  its  load  the  spirit  flies; 

While  heaven  and  earth  combine  to  say, 
'  How  blest  the  righteous  when  he  dies.' 


DEATH. 


SACRED  SONGS. 


45 


PREPARATION  FOR  HEAVEN. 

Heaven  is  a  place  of  rest  from  sin, 
But  all  who  hope  to  enter  there, 

Must  here  that  holy  course  begin, 

Which  shall  their  souls  for  rest  prepare. 

Clean  hearts,  O  God,  in  us  create, 
Right  spirits,  Lord,  in  us  renew  ; 

Commence  we  now  that  higher  state, 
Now  do  thy  will  as  angels  do. 

In  Jesus'  footsteps  may  we  tread, 
Learn  every  lesson  of  his  love  ; 

And  be  from  grace  to  glory  led, 

From  heaven  below,  to  heaven  above. 


SABBATH  DAY. 

How  sweet  upon  this  sacred  day, 

The  best  of  all  the  seven, 
To  cast  our  earthly  thoughts  away, 

And  think  of  God  and  Heaven. 

How  sweet  to  be  allowed  to  pray 

Our  sins  may  be  forgiven ; 
With  filial  confidence  to  say, 

'  Father,  who  art  in  Heaven  ; ? 

With  humble  hope  to  bend  the  knee, 
And,  free  from  folly's  leaven, 

Confess  that  we  have  strayed  from  thee, 
Thou  righteous  Judge  in  Heaven. 
8 


46 


SACRED  SONGS. 


And  if  to  make  all  sin  depart ; 

In  vain  the  will  has  striven, 
He  who  regards  the  inmost  heart 

Will  send  his  grace  from  Heaven. 

If  from  the  bosom  that  is  dear 
By  cold  unkindness  driven, 

The  heart  that  knows  no  refuge  here 
Shall  find  a  friend  in  Heaven. 

Then  hail,  thou  sacred,  blessed  day, 

The  best  of  all  the  seven, 
When  hearts  unite,  their  vows  to  pay 

Of  gratitude  to  Heaven. 


As  infants  once  to  Christ  were  brought, 
That  he  might  bless  them  there, 

So  now  we  little  children  ought 
To  seek  the  same  by  prayer. 

For  when  their  feeble  hands  were  spread, 

And  bent  each  infant  knee, 
"  Forbid  them  not,"  the  Saviour  said  ; 

And  so  he  says  for  me. 

Though  now  he  is  not  here  below, 

But  on  his  heavenly  hill, 
To  him  may  little  children  go, 

And  seek  a  blessing  still. 

Well  pleas'd  that  little  flock  to  see, 
The  Saviour  kindly  smil'd  ; 


COMING  TO  JESUS. 


SACKED  SONGS. 


Oh,  then,  he  will  not  frown  on  me 
Because  I  am  a  child  : 

For  as  so  many  years  ago 
Poor  babes  his  pity  drew, 

I  'm  sure  he  will  not  let  me  go 
Without  a  blessing  too. 

Then  while,  this  favor  to  implore, 
My  little  hands  are  spread, 

Do  thou  thy  sacred  blessing  pour, 
Dear  Jesus,  on  my  head. 


INSTRUCTION  FROM  THE  HEAVENS. 


Stars,  that  on  your  wond'rous  way, 
Travel  through  the  ev'ning  sky, 

Is  there  nothing  you  can  say, 
To  a  child  so  small  as  I  ? 

Tell  me,  for  I  long  to  know, 

Who  has  made  you  sparkle  so  ? 

"  Yes/'  methinks  I  hear  you  say, 
"  Child  of  mortal  race,  attend, 

While  we  run  our  wond'rous  way, 
Listen  !  we  would  be  your  friend, 

Teaching  you  the  name  Divine, 

By  whose  mighty  word  we  shine. 

"  Child,  as  truly  as  we  roll, 
"  Through  the  dark  and  distant  sky, 
You  have  an  immortal  soul, 
Born  to  live  when  we  shall  die. 


SACRED  SONGS. 


Suns  and  planets  pass  away, 
Spirits  never  can  decay. 

"  When  some  thousand  years  at  most, 
All  their  little  time  have  spent, 

One  by  one  our  sparkling  host, 
Shall  forsake  the  firmament ; 

We  shall  from  our  glory  fall  ; 

You  must  live  beyond  us  all. 

"  Yes,  and  God,  who  bade  us  roll, 
God,  who  hung  us  in  the  sky, 

Stoops  to  watch  an  infant's  soul, 
With  a  condescending  eye, 

And  esteems  it  dearer  far, 

More  in  value  than  a  star ! 

"  O  thea,  while  your  breath  is  giv'n, 
Pour  it  out  in  fervent  pray'r, 

And  beseech  the  God  of  heav'n, 
To  receive  your  spirit  there; 

As  a  living  star  to  blaze 

Ever  to  your  Saviour's  praise." 
5   

WE  NEVER  PART  FROM  THEE* 

God,  who  dwellest  every  where, 
God,  who  makest  all  thy  care, 
God,  who  hearest  every  prayer, 

Thou  who  seest  the  heart ; 
Thou  to  whom  we  lift  our  eyes, 
Father,  help  our  souls  to  rise, 
And,  beyond  these  narrow  skies, 

See  thee  as  thou  art. 


SACRED  SONGS. 


Let  our  anxious  thoughts  be  still, 
Holy  trust  adore  thy  will, 
Holy  love  our  bosoms  fill, 

Let  our  songs  ascend. 
Dearest  friends  may  parted  be, 
All  our  earthly  treasures  flee, 
Yet  we  never  part  from  thee, 

Our  eternal  Friend. 


THE  GENTLE  SHEPHERD. 

See  Israel's  gentle  Shepherd  stand 
With  all-engaging  charms ; 

Hark,  how  he  calls  the  tender  lambs, 
And  folds  them  in  his  arms. 

Permit  them  to  approach,  he  cries, 
Nor  scorn  their  humble  name, 

For  'twas  to  bless  such  souls  as  these, 
The  Lord  of  angels  came. 

Ye  little  flock,  with  pleasure  hear  ; 

Ye  children,  seek  his  face  ; 
And  fly  with  transport  to  receive 

The  blessings  of  his  grace. 


THE  SUNDAY  SCHOOL. 

Was  not  our  Lord  a  little  child, 
Taught  by  degrees  to  pray, 

By  father  dear  and  mother  mild, 
Instructed  day  by  day  ? 


50 


SACRED  SONGS. 


And  loved  he  not  of  Heaven  to  talk 

With  children  in  his  sight, 
To  meet  them  in  his  daily  walk, 

And  to  his  arms  invite  ? 

Yet  is  he  near  us,  to  survey 
These  bright  and  ordered  files, 

Like  spring-flowers  in  their  best  array, 
All  silence  and  all  smiles. 

Save  that  each  little  voice  in  turn 
Some  glorious  truth  proclaims — 

What  sages  would  have  died  to  learn, 
Now  taught  by  cottage  dames. 

And  if  some  tones  be  false  or  low, 
What  are  all  prayers  beneath 

But  cries  of  babes  that  cannot  know 
Half  the  deep  thoughts  they  breathe. 


EVENING  HYMN. 

Before  I  close  my  eyes  to  night 
Let  me  myself  these  questions  ask, 

Have  I  endeavored  to  do  right, 
Nor  thought  my  duty  was  a  task  ? 

Have  I  been  gentle,  lowly,  meek, 

And  the  small  voice  of  conscience  heard  ? 

When  passion  tempted  me  to  speak 
Have  I  repress' d  the  angry  word? 

Have  I  with  cheerful  zeal  obey'd 
What  my  kind  parents  bid  me  do  ? 


SACRED  SONGS. 


51 


And  not  by  word  or  action  said 

The  thing  that  was  not  strictly  true  ? 

In  hard  temptation's  troubled  hour 

Then  have  1  stopped  to  think  and  pray, 

That  God  would  give  my  soul  the  power, 
To  chase  the  sinful  thought  away? 

Oh,  Thou  !  who  seest  all  my  heart, 
Wilt  thou  forgive  and  love  me  still, 

Wilt  thou  to  me  new  strength  impart, 
And  make  me  love  to  do  thy  will. 


A  CALL  TO  PRAYER. 

To  prayer,  to  prayer !  for  the  morning  breaks, 
And  earth  in  her  Maker's  smile  awakes; 
His  light  is  on  all  below  and  above, 
The  light  of  gladness,  and  life,  and  love. 
O,  then,  on  the  breath  of  this  early  air, 
Send  upward  the  incense  of  grateful  prayer. 

To  prayer  !  for  the  glorious  sun  is  gone, 
And  the  gathering  darkness  of  night  comes 
on  ; 

Like  a  curtain  from  God's  kind  hand  it  flows, 
To  shade  the  couch  where  his  children  re- 
pose. 

Then  kneel  whilst  the  watching  stars  are  bright 
And  give  your  last  thoughts  to  the  Guardian  of 
night. 

To  prayer  !  for  the  day  that  God  has  blest 
Comes  tranquilly  on  with  its  welcome  rest. 


SACRED  SONGS. 


It  speaks  of  Creation's  early  bloom  ; 

It  speaks  of  the  Prince  who  burst  the  tomb. 
Then  summon  the  spirit's  exalted  powers, 
And  give  to  heaven  the  hallowed  hours.  , 

Kneel  down  at  the  couch  of  departing  faith, 
And  hear  the  last  words  the  believer  saith. 
He  hath  bidden  farewell  to  his  earthly 
friends; 

There  is  peace  in  his  eye  that  upward  bends  ; 
There  is  peace  in  his  calm  confiding  air; 
For  his  last  thoughts  are  God's,  his  last  words 
prayer. 


DOXOLOGY. 

From  all  that  dwell  below  the  skies, 
Let  the  Creator's  praise  arise ; 
Let  the  Redeemer's  praise  be  sung 
Through  every  land,  by  every  tongue. 

Eternal  are  thy  mercies,  Lord  ; 

Eternal  truth  attends  thy  word  ; 

Thy  praise  shall  sound  from  shore  to  shore, 

Till  suns  shall  rise  and  set  no  more. 


INDEX  OF  FIRST  LINES. 


Page. 

Almighty  Father,  .  .  .  E.  L.  Follen.  13 
Another  smiling  day.  .  Monthly  Repository.  17 
Art  thou  a  child  of  tears.  .  .  .  Keble. 
As  infant's  once.  .  Hymns  for  infant  minds. 
As  through  the  pathless.  .  .  E.  L.  Follen. 
Before  1  close  my  eyes  in  sleep.  .  B.  Barton. 
Before  I  close  my  eyes  tonight.  E.  L.  Follen. 
Blessed  are  the  pure.         .      .       .      .  Keble. 

W.  H.  Furness. 


Blessings  on  thee.  • 
By  cool  Siloam's. 
Cease  my  complaining.  . 
Come  let  us  all  with  heart.  . 
Farewell  for  a  time. 
Feeble,  helpless. 
From  all  that  dwell. 
God  is  so  good.  .  Hymns  for  Infant  Minds. 
God  might  have  made.  .  .  Mary  Howitt. 
God  that  madest. 
Go  to  dark  Gethsemane. 
Great  source  of  being. 
God,  thou  art  good. 
Go  when  the  morning  shineth 
God  who  dwellest.  . 
Hark  !  the  little  birds.  . 
Heaven  is  a  place. 
Kelp  me,  O  God. 
How  beautiful.  ....  E.L.  Follen. 
How  blest  the  righteous.   .      .   Mrs.  Barbauld. 


Bishop  Heber. 
.   E.L.  Follen. 

E.  L.  Follen. 
.  E.  L.  Follen. 
W.  H,  Furness. 

Watts. 


Bishop  Heber. 

Montgomery. 
.  E.  L.  Follen. 

E.  L.  Follen. 
Service  Book. 

E.  L.  Follen. 

E.  L.  Follen. 

Montgomery. 

E.  L.  Follen. 


41 
46 
38 
10 
50 
31 
34 
29 
25 
9 
24 
39 
52 
14 
8 
11 
13 
27 
32 
37 


45 
43 
35 


54 


INDEX  OF  FIRST  LINES. 


How  sweet  to  be. 
How  sweet  upon. 
In  winter  where. 


E.  L.  Follen.  21 
E.  L.  Follen.  45 
Anon*  19 


I  feel  within.    .       .       .       .      W.  H.  Furness.  31 


It  was  my  heavenly  father's.  .      .   E.  L.  Follen.  36 

Little  children  come.  .       .       .       E.  L.  Follen.  5 

Love  and  kindness.      Hymns  for  Infant  Minds.  33 

Lord  I  have  passed.     Hymns  for  Infant  Minds.  21 

My  God,  my  strength,   .    Wesley's  Collection.  26 

My  heavenly  father.    .      .      .      E.  L.  Follen.  32 

Once  more  the  light.                          B.  Barton.  4 

O  that  it  were.      .      Hymns  for  Infant  Minds.  2(T 

Praise  to  God.     .      .      .      .       E.  L.  Follen.  16 

Prayer  is  the  soul's.       .       .       .    Montgomery.  12 

See  the  soft  green.     ....           Keble.  11 

See  the  kind.                           i   Service  Book.  15 

See  Israel's  gentle.   ....    DoddriDge.  49 

Songs  of  praise  Montgomery.  7 

Stars  that  on  your.       Hymns  for  Infant  Minds.  47 

The  heart  of  childhood.      .       .       .          Keble.  30 

The  bird  let  loose.  ....          T.  Moore.  28 

There  is  a  book.        .....    Keble.  40 

This  is  the  day  E.  L.  Follen.  3 

This  is  the  Sabbath.  Uhland;  ts.  by  E.  L.  Follen.  40 

The  God  of  heaven.     Hymns  for  Infant  Minds.  5 

?T  is  summer.    ....       Louisa  Simes.  23 

The  child-like  faith  Keble.  28 

To  prayer,  to  praj  er.      .      .      .   H.  Ware,  Jr.  51 

Will  God  who  made.    .      .      .     E.  L.  Follen.  5 

When  for  some.       .    Hymns  for  Infant  Minds.  15 

When  daily  I  kneel.     [Hymns  for  Infant  Minds.  17 

When  in  my  heart.       .      Monthly  Repository.  18 

When  a  foolish  thought.  Hymns  for  Infant  Minds.  42 

Was  not  our  Lord.     ......  49 


In  the  beauty, 


E.  L.  Follen.  23 


HYMNS, 


SELECTED  FROM 


GREENWOOD'S  "  COLLECTION 
OF  PSALMS  AND  HYMNS," 


AND  FROM 


"ORIGINAL    HYMNS    FOR  SAB- 
BATH SCHOOLS." 


BOSTON, 
ISAAC   R .  BUTTS. 

1839. 


FROM 


GREENWOOD'S  HYMNS. 


INVITATION  TO   THE   HOUSE   OF  GOD. 

Come  to  the  house  of  prayer, 

O  thou  afflicted,  come  ; 
The  God  of  peace  shall  meet  thee  there, 

He  makes  that  house  his  home. 

Come  to  the  house  of  praise, 

Ye  who  are  happy  now ; 
In  sweet  accord  your  voices  raise, 

In  kindred  homage  bow. 

Ye  young,  before  his  throne, 
Come,  bow  ;  your  voices  raise ; 

Let  not  your  hearts  his  praise  disown, 
Who  gives  the  power  to  praise. 

Thou,  whose  benignant  eye 

In  mercy  looks  on  all ; 
Who  see'st  the  tear  of  misery, 

And  hear'st  the  mourner's  call  ; 

Up  to  thy  dwelling-place 

Bear  our  frail  spirits  on, 
Till  they  outstrip  time's  tardy  pace, 

And  heaven  on  earth  be  won. 


58  HYMNS  FOR  SUNDAY  SCHOOL. 


THE   DAY   OF  REST. 

Sweet  is  the  task,  O  Lord, 

Thy  glorious  acts  to  sing, 
To  praise  thy  name,  and  hear  thy  word, 

And  grateful  offerings  bring. 

Sweet  at  the  dawning  hour, 

Thy  boundless  love  to  tell ; 
And  when  the  night-wind  shuts  the  flower, 

Still  on  the  theme  to  dwell. 

Sweet,  on  this  day  of  rest, 

To  join,  in  heart  and  voice, 
With  those  who  love  and  serve  Thee  best, 

And  in  thy  name  rejoice. 

To  songs  of  praise  and  joy 

Be  every  sabbath  given, 
That  such  may  be  our  blest  employ 

Eternally  in  heaven. 


MORNING. 

Awake,  my  soul,  and  with  the  sun 
Thy  daily  stage  of  duty  run ; 
Shake  off  dull  sloth,  and  joyful  rise 
To  pay  thy  morning  sacrifice. 

Lord,  I  my  vows  to  Thee  renew  ; 
Scatter  my  sins  like  morning  dew; 
Guard  my  first  springs  of  thought  and  will, 
And  with  Thyself  my  spirit  fill. 

Direct,  control,  suggest,  this  day, 
All  I  design,  or  do,  or  say  ; 


HYMNS  FOR  SUNDAY  SCHOOL.  59 


That  all  my  powers,  with  all  their  might, 
In  thy  sole  glory  may  unite. 


THE   HEAVENS   DECLARE   THEIR  AUTHOR. 

The  spacious  firmament  on  high, 

With  all  the  blue  ethereal  sky, 

And  spangled  heavens,  a  shining  frame, 

Their  great  Original  proclaim. 

The  unwearied  sun,  from  day  to  day, 

Doth  his  Creator's  power  display ; 

And  publishes  to  every  land 

The  work  of  an  Almighty  hand. 

Soon  as  the  evening  shades  prevail, 
The  moon  takes  up  the  wondrous  tale ; 
And  nightly  to  the  listening  earth 
Repeats  the  story  of  her  birth  : 
Whilst  all  the  stars  which  round  her  burn, 
And  all  the  planets  in  their  turn, 
Confirm  the  tidings  as  they  roll, 
And  spread  the  truth  from  pole  to  pole. 

What  though  in  solemn  silence  all 
Move  round  this  dark  terrestrial  ball, 
What  though  no  real  voice  nor  sound 
Amidst  their  radiant  orbs  be  found; 
In  reason's  ear  they  all  rejoice, 
And  utter  forth  a  glorious  voice  ; 
Forever  singing,  as  they  shine  — 
*  The  hand  that  made  us  is  Divine.' 

r 


60  HYMNS  FOR  SUNDAY  SCHOOL. 


GOD    OUR  SHEPHERD. 

The  Lord  my  pasture  shall  prepare, 
And  feed  me  with  a  shepherd's  care; 
His  presence  shall  my  wants  supply, 
And  guard  me  with  a  watchful  eye  ; 
My  noon-day  walks  he  shall  attend, 
And  all  my  midnight  hours  defend. 

When  in  the  sultry  glebe  I  faint, 
Or  on  the  thirsty  mountain  pant, 
To  fertile  vales  and  dewy  meads 
My  weary,  wandering  steps  he  leads  ; 
Where  peaceful  rivers,  soft  and  slow, 
Amid  the  verdant  landscape  flow. 

Though  in  a  bare  and  rugged  way, 
Through  devious,  lonely  wilds  I  stray, 
Thy  bounty  shall  my  pains  beguile  ; 
The  barren  wilderness  shall  smile, 
With  sudden  greens  and  herbage  crowned, 
And  streams  shall  murmur  all  around. 

Though  in  the  paths  of  death  I  tread, 
With  gloomy  horrors  overspread, 
My  steadfast  heart  shall  fear  no  ill  ; 
For  Thou,  O  Lord,  art  with  me  still ; 
Thy  friendly  crook  shall  give  me  aid, 
And  guide  me  through  the  dreadful  shade. 


HYMNS  FOR  SUNDAY  SCHOOL. 

god's  protection. 

When  all  thy  mercies,  O  my  God, 

My  rising  soul  surveys, 
Transported  with  the  view,  I'm  lost 

In  wonder,  love  and  praise. 

Unnumbered  comforts  on  my  sou] 
Thy  tender  care  bestowed, 

Before  my  infant  heart  conceived 
From  whom  those  comforts  flowed. 

Ten  thousand  thousand  precious  gifts 

My  daily  thanks  employ  ; 
Nor  is  the  least  a  cheerful  heart, 

That  tastes  those  gifts  with  joy. 

Through  every  period  of  my  life 
Thy  goodness  I'll  pursue  ; 

And  after  death,  in  distant  worlds, 
The  glorious  theme  renew. 


LIVING  FOR  GOD. 

Teach  me,  my  God  and  King, 
In  all  things  Thee  to  see ; 

And  what  I  do  in  any  thing, 
To  do  it  as  for  thee. 

To  scorn  the  senses'  sway, 
While  still  to  thee  I  tend  : 

In  all  I  do  be  Thou  the  way, 
In  all  be  Thou  the  end. 


62  HTMNS  FOR  SUNDAY  SCHOOL. 


Christ's  message. 

Hark  the  glad  sound  !  the  Saviour  comes ! 

The  Saviour  promised  long  ! 
Let  every  heart  prepare  a  throne, 

And  every  voice  a  song. 

He  comes,  from  thickest  films  of  vice 

To  clear  the  mental  ray ; 
And  on  the  eye-balls  of  the  blind 

To  pour  celestial  day. 

He  comes,  the  broken  heart  to  bind, 

The  bleeding  soul  to  cure ; 
And  with  the  treasure  of  his  grace 

Enrich  the  humble  poor. 

Our  glad  hosannas,  Prince  of  Peace, 
Thy  welcome  shall  proclaim  ; 

And  heaven's  eternal  arches  ring 
With  the  beloved  name. 


the  Messiah's  kingdom. 

Joy  to  the  world  !  the  Lord  is  come  ! 

Let  earth  receive  her  king  ; 
Let  every  heart  prepare  him  room, 

And  heaven  and  nature  sing. 

Joy  to  the  earth  !  the  Saviour  reigns ! 

'Let  men  their  songs  employ  ; 
While  fields  and  floods,  rocks,  hills  and  plains 

Repeat  the  sounding  joy. 


HYMNS  FOR  SUNDAY  SCHOOL.  63 

No  more  let  sins  and  sorrows  grow, 

Nor  thorns  infest  the  ground  ; 
He  comes  to  make  his  blessings  flow 

As  far  as  sin  is  found. 

He  rules  the  world  with  truth  and  grace, 

And  makes  the  nations  prove 
The  glories  of  his  righteousness, 

And  wonders  of  his  love. 


THE   CHRISTIAN  ENCOURAGED. 

Give  to  the  winds  thy  fears  ; 

Hope  and  be  undismayed ; 
God  hears  thy  sighs,  and  counts  thy  tears, 

God  shall  lift  up  thy  head. 

Through  waves,  through  clouds  and  storms, 

He  gently  clears  thy  way  ; 
Wait  thou  his  time,  so  shall  the  night 

Soon  end  in  joyous  day. 

He  everywhere  hath  rule, 

And  all  things  serve  his  might ; 

His  every  act  pure  blessing  is, 
His  path  unsullied  light. 

Thou  comprehend'st  him  not  ; 

Yet  earth  and  heaven  tell, 
God  sits  as  sovereign  on  the  throne ; 

He  ruleth  all  things  well. 


64  HYMNS  FOR  SUNDAY  SCHOOL. 


HABITUAL  DEVOTION. 

While  Thee  I  seek,  protecting  Power  ! 

Be  my  vain  wishes  stilled  ; 
And  may  this  consecrated  hour 

With  better  hopes  be  filled. 

Thy  love  the  powers  of  thought  bestowed  — 
To  Thee  my  thoughts  would  soar  ; 

Thy  mercy  o'er  my  life  has  flowed  — 
That  mercy  I  adore  ! 

In  each  event  of  life,  how  clear 

Thy  ruling  hand  I  see  ! 
Each  blessing  to  my  soul  more  dear, 

Because  conferred  by  Thee. 

In  every  joy  that  crowns  my  days, 

In  every  pain  I  bear, 
My  heart  shall  find  delight  in  praise, 

Or  seek  relief  in  prayer. 


THE   UNIVERSAL  PRAYER. 

W7hat  conscience  dictates  to  be  done, 

Or  warns  me  not  to  do, 
This  teach  me,  more  than  hell,  to  shun, 

That,  more  than  heaven,  pursue. 

If  I  am  right,  thy  grace  impart 

Still  in  the  right  to  stay  ; 
If  I  am  wrong,  O  teach  my  heart 

To  find  that  better  way. 


HYMNS  FOR  SUNDAY  SCHOOL. 


Save  me  alike  from  foolish  pride, 

Or  impious  discontent, 
At  aught  thy  wisdom  has  denied, 

Or  aught  thy  goodness  lent. 

This  day  be  bread  and  peace  my  lot ; 

But  all  beneath  the  sun 
Thou  know'st  if  best  bestowed  or  not ; 

And  let  thy  will  be  done. 

To  Thee,  whose  temple  is  all  space, 
Whose  altar,  earth,  sea,  skies,  s 

One  chorus  let  all  beings  raise, 
All  nature's  incense  rise. 


AT  PARTING. 

As  the  sun's  enlivening  eye 
Shines  on  every  place  the  same  ; 
So  the  Lord  is  always  nigh 
To  the  souls  that  love  his  name. 

For  a  season  called  to  part, 
Let  us  then  ourselves  commend 
To  the  gracious  eye  and  heart 
Of  our  ever-present  Friend. 

Father,  hear  our  humble  prayer ! 
Tender  shepherd  of  thy  sheep,  j 
Let  thy  mercy  and  thy  care 
All  our  souls  in  safety  keep. 

In  thy  strength  may  we  be  strong  ; 
Sweeten  every  cross  and  pain; 


66  HYMNS  FOR  SUNDAY  SCHOOL. 

Give  us,  if  we  live,  ere  long, 
Here  to  meet  in  peace  again. 


MORNING  HYMN. 

O  God  !  I  thank  Thee  that  the  night 
In  peace  and  rest  hath  passed  away  ; 
And  that  I  see,  in  this  fair  light, 
My  Father's  smile,  that  makes  it  day. 

Be  thou  my  Guide,  and  let  me  live 
As  under  thine  all-seeing  eye  : 
Supply  my  wants,  my  sins  forgive, 
And  make  me  happy  when  I  die. 


EVENING  HYMN. 

Another  day  its  course  hath  run, 
And  still,  O  God,  thy  child  is  blest  ; 
For  Thou  hast  been  by  day  my  sun, 
And  Thou  wilt  be  by  night  my  rest. 

Sweet  sleep  descends,  my  eyes  to  close  ; 
And  now,  when  all  the  world  is  still, 
I  give  my  body  to  repose, 
My  spirit  to  my  Father's  will. 


FROM 


ORIGINAL  HYMNS. 


PRAYER. 

Glad  hearts  to  Thee  we  bring, 
With  joy  thy  name  we  sing, 

Father  above  ; 
Creation  praises  Thee,  • 
O'er  all  around  we  see 

Tokens  of  love. 

Thou  who  in  heaven  art, 
To  us  that  grace  impart 

Our  Master  knew  ; 
Aid  us  like  him  to  live, 
To  Thee  our  young  hearts  give, 

Thou  only  true. 

Unite  our  souls  in  love, 
Smile  on  us  from  above, 

'Till  life  be  o'er  ; 
Then  gather  us  to  Thee, 
In  thine  own  fold  to  be 

Forevermore. 


GRATITUDE. 

We  come,  great  God,  with  gladness, 
Our  humble  thanks  to  bring  ; 
With  hearts  yet  free  from  sadness, 
Our  hymns  of  praise  we  sing. 

B 


63 


EYMNS  FOR  SUNDAY  SCHOOL. 


Health,  peace,  and  joy  attend  us, 
Kind  friends  are  ever  near  ; 
And  Thou,  Oh  God,  dost  send  us, 
These  gifts,  these  friends,  so  dear. 

And  now  in  childhood's  morning, 
Our  hymns  to  Thee  we  raise  ; 
Thy  love,  our  lives  adorning, 
Shall  fill  our  hearts  with  praise. 
Thy  will  henceforth  forever 
Shall  be  our  constant  guide ; 
From  that  straight  path,  oh,  never 
May  our  footsteps  turn  aside. 


GRATITUDE   TO  GOD. 

God!  our  Father,  our  Preserver. 

Guide  and  Guardian  of  our  youth  ; 
We  adore,  with  grateful  fervor, 

Thy  enduring  love  and  truth. 

Thou,  O  Father,  showerest  kindly 
Gifts  unnumbered  on  our  days ; 

May  we  ne'er  o'erlook  them  blindly, 
May  we  ne'er  forget  thy  praise. 

Life  and  health  in  full  enjoyment, 
Active  minds  and  senses  free, 

All  which  gives  our  powers  employment, 
Heavenly  Parent,  come  from  Thee. 

Ever,  Father,  we  adore  Thee 

For  the  bounties  thou  hast  given  ; 

May  these  blessings,  we  implore  Thee, 
Fit  us  for  our  home  in  heaven. 


HYMNS  FOR  SUNDAY  SCHOOL.  69 


THE  INVITATION. 

Come  to  God's  altar  !  oh,  draw  near  ! 
In  trusting  love,  in  humble  fear  ; 
He  calls  thee  now  his  face  to  meet. 
Then  haste  and  bow  thee  at  his  feet. 

Come  to  God's  altar  !  oh,  draw  near  ! 
And  gladly  come  !  for  God  is  here  ; 
Come  at  the  call  of  that  kind  voice, 
That  bids  thee  in  his  love  rejoice. 

Come  to  God's  altar  !  oh,  draw  near  ! 
With  grateful  praises  gather  here  ; 
Your  Father  calls,  —  your  Maker,  Friend  ; 
Oh  come  !  and  in  His  presence  bend. 


HYMN  AT   ENTERING  SCHOOL. 

Lord  !  teach  my  heart  to  learn, 
Prepare  my 'ears  to  hear, 
And  let  me  on  this  holy  day 
Thy  holy  word  revere. 

If  unforgiven  sin 
Within  my  bosom  lies  ; 
Or  evil  motives  linger  there, 
To  offend  thy  perfect  eyes ; 

Remove  them  far  away  ; 
Instruct  me  in  thy  love  ; 
That  I  may  walk  with  Thee  below, 
And  live  with  Thee  above. 


70 


HYMNS  FOR   SUNDAY  SCHOOL. 


AT    OPENING   OF  SCHOOL. 

Lord  !  may  this  little  band 
Find  favor  in  thy  sight ; 
We  seek  for  thine  Almighty  hand, 
To  guide  our  steps  aright. 

Wilt  Thou  forgive  each  sin, 
Reclaim  us  when  astray  ; 
Oh  guide  our  wandering  footsteps  in 
Thy  pure  and  holy  way. 


THE   LOVE    OF  GOD. 

My  Father,  God,  —  the  mighty  One, 
Who  built  the  earth,  who  made  the  sun, — 
Yet  makes  the  smallest  child  His  care, 
And  listens  to  its  faintest  prayer. 

Angels  are  round  about  his  throne ; 
Yet  all  my  wants  to  Him  are  known  : 
Unnumber'd  worlds  his  power  obey  ; 
Yet  He  upholds  me  in  my  way. 

How  wond'rous  this,  how  far  above 
All  other  power,  all  other  love. 
How  shall  a  child  such  love  repay  ? 
That  very  love  hath  told  the  way. 

I  must  think  much  of  God  ;  must  give 
Him  daily  thanks;  must  learn  to  live 
As  He  commands  ;  and  seek  and  pray 
To  know  the  right,  the  heavenly  way. 


HYMNS  FOR  SUNDAY  SCHOOL. 
TRUST   IN  GOD. 

O  Thou  !  whose  constant  love  has  shed 
Unnumbered  blessings  round  my  head  ; 

Whose  goodness  and  whose  mighty  power 
Guard  and  defend  me  every  hour ; 

To  Thee  I  come,  in  humble  prayer, 
To  ask  for  thy  continued  care. 

Father  !  I  know  the  hour  shall  come, 
When  Thou  shalt  call  thy  children  home 

May  I  so  live  through  joy  or  wo, 
So  do  my  duty  here  below, 

That  when  my  time  on  earth  shall  cease, 
I  may  enjoy  eternal  peace. 

To  Thee  I  come  without  one  fear  ; 

I  know  that  Thou  dost  always  hear ; 
That  Thou  art  ready  to  forgive, 

And  lead  me  as  I  ought  to  live  ; 
If  I  but  seek  to  do  thy  will, 

Thou  art  my  watchful  guardian  still. 


PRAYER  AGAINST  SIN. 

Oh  may  we  never,  Lord,  in  youth 
Thy  heavenly  precepts  disobey  ; 
Or  leave  the  pleasant  path  of  truth, 
In  sin's  deceitful  ways  to  stray. 

So  shalt  thou  grant  thy  children  strength 
The  varied  ills  of  life  to  bear  ; 
Receive  our  souls  in  heaven  at  length, 
To  live  with  Thee  forever  there. 
b2 


2  HYMNS  FOR  SUNDAY  SCHOOL. 


OBEDIENCE. 

Earth  is  the  school  where  I  must  learn 

To  do  my  Father's  will, 
That  when  he  calls  me  to  return, 

I  may  be  with  him  still. 

Here  I  must  purify  my  heart, 

My  selfishness  subdue  ; 
Father,  thy  gracious  aid  impart, 

My  strength,  my  power  renew. 

That  I  may  pure  and  holy  rise 

To  meet  a  Father's  love, 
Far,  far  beyond  the  starry  skies, 

In  that  bright  home  above. 


KNOWLEDGE   OF  GOD. 

Father  !  I  love  to  read  of  Thee, 
And  learn  of  heaven  above  ; 

To  hear  what  Thou  hast  done  for  me, 
By  thy  unceasing  love. 

To  think  that  all  this  world  contains 
Was  made  and  formed  by  Thee  ; 

And  yet  the  Power  which  all  sustains 
Has  thought  and  care  for  me. 

That  Thou  art  ever  kind  and  good, 
My  constant  blessings  prove  ; 

My  home,  my  friends,  my  daily  food, 
Speak  thy  unfailing  love. 


HYMNS  FOR  SUNDAY  SCHOOL. 

Father  !  I  know  each  living  thing 
Should  sing  its  Maker's  praise  ; 

O  let  me  then  my  tribute  bring, 
And  swell  these  sacred  lays. 


DISMISSION  HYMN. 

Grant  us,  Lord,  thy  choicest  blessing, 
Smile  on  all  our  efforts  here  ; 
Oh  forgive  us,  though  transgressing  ; 
May  we  each  thy  favor  share. 

When  exposed  to  life's  temptation, 
Guide  us  safe  from  every  snare  ; 
Keep  us,  Lord,  by  thy  salvation, 
Guard  us  with  thy  watchful  care. 


DISMISSION  HYMN. 

Grateful  thanks,  before  we  part, 
Father  !  rise  from  every  heart, 
For  this  blessed  season,  given 
To  prepare  our  souls  for  heaven. 

Give  the  teachings  of  this  hour 
O'er  our  lives  a  guiding  power  ; 
Deep  impress  each  saving  truth 
On  the  wavering  heart  of  youth. 

Guide  and  guardian  be  to  each, 
Till  that  safer  home  we  reach, 
Where  —  sweet  sabbaths  never  o'er 
We  shall  meet,  and  part  no  more. 


INDEX  OF  FIRST  LINES. 


Tage. 

Another  day  its  course  has  run  . 

.  66 

As  the  sun's  enlivening  eye 

65 

Awake,  my  soul,  and  with  the  sun 

.  58 

Come  to  God's  altar,  0  draw  near 

.  69 

Come  to  the  house  of  prayer  . 

57 

Earth  is  the  school  where  I  must  learn  . 

.  72 

Father  !  I  love  to  read  of  Thee 

72 

Give  to  the  winds  thy  fears         .       .  , 

.  6S 

Glad  hearts  to  Thee  we  bring 

67 

God  !  our  Father,  our  Preserver 

.  63 

Grant  us,  Lord,  Thy  choicest  blessing 

73 

Grateful  thanks  before  we  part  . 

.  73 

Hark  !  the  glad  sound,  the  Saviour  comes 

62 

Joy  to  the  world  !  the  Lord  has  come  . 

.  62 

Lord  !  may  this  little  band 

70 

Lord  !  teach  my  heart  to  learn 

.  69 

My  Father,  God,  —  the  mighty  One  . 

.  70 

0  God  !  I  thank  Thee  that  the  night 

66 

Oh  may  we  never,  Lord,  in  youth 

71 

Oh  Thou  !  whose  constant  love  has  shed 

.  71 

Sweet  is  the  task,  0  Lord 

.  58 

Teach  me,  my  God  and  king     .  . 

61 

The  Lord  my  pasture  shall  prepare 

60 

The  spacious  firmament  on  high 

.  59 

We  come,  great  God,  with  gladness 

67 

What  conscience  dictates  to  be  done  . 

,  64 

When  all  thy  mercies,  0  my  God 

61 

While  Thee  I  seek,  protecting  Power 

.  64 

LESSONS 

AND 

PRAYERS. 


LESSONS  FROM  SCRIPTURE. 


PRAISE  OF  GOD. 

O  come,  let  us  sing  unto  the  Lord ;  let  us 
make  a  joyful  noise  to  the  rock  of  our  salvation. 

Let  us  come  before  his  presence  with  thanks- 
giving ;  and  make  a  joyful  noise  unto  him  with 
psalms, 

For  the  Lord  is  a  great  God,  and  a  great 
King  above  all  gods. 

In  his  hand  are  the  deep  places  of  the 
earth  ;  the  strength  of  the  hills  is  his  also. 

The  sea  is  his,  and  he  made  it ;  and  his 
hands  formed  the  dry  land. 

O  come,  let  us  worship  and  bow  down ;  let 
us  kneel  before  the  Lord  our  Maker. 

For  he  is  our  God ;  and  we  are  the  people 
of  his  pasture,  and  the  sheep  of  his  hand.  — 
Psalm  xcv. 


THE     CREATION   OF     THE    HEAVENS    AND  THE 
EARTH. 

In  the  beginning  God  created  the  heaven 
and  the  earth. 

And  the  earth  was  without  form  and  void, 
and  darkness  was  upon  the  face  of  the  deep. 
And  the  spirit  of  God  moved  upon  the  face  of 
the  waters. 


78  LESSONS  FOR  SUNDAY  SCHOOL. 

And  God  said,  Let  there  be  light ;  and  there 
was  light.  And  God  saw  the  light,  that  it 
was  good. 

And  God  called  the  light,  day  ;  and  the 
darkness  he  called  night. 

And  God  said,  Let  there  be  a  firmament  in 
the  midst  of  the  waters,  and  let  it  divide  the 
waters  from  the  waters  :  and  it  was  so. 

And  God  called  the  firmament,  heaven. 

And  God  said,  Let  the  waters  under  the 
heaven  be  gathered  together  unto  one  place, 
and  let  the  dry  land  appear  :  and  it  was  so. 

And  God  called  the  dry  land  earth,  and  the 
gathering  together  of  the  waters  called  he 
seas.    And  God  saw  that  it  was  good. 

And  God  said,  Let  the  earth  bring  forth 
grass,  the  herb  yielding  seed  and  the  fruit-tree 
yielding  fruit  after  its  kind  :  and  it  was  so. 
And  God  saw  that  it  was  good. 

And  God  made  two  great  lights  ;  the  great- 
er light  to  rule  the  day,  and  the  lesser  light  to 
rule  the  night ;  he  made  the  stars  also.  And 
God  saw  that  it  was  good. 

And  God  created  great  whales,  and  every 
living  creature  that  moveth,  which  the  waters 
brought  forth  abundantly  after  their  kind,  and 
every  winged  fowl  after  his  kind.  And  God 
saw  that  it  was  good. 

And  God  made  the  beast  of  the  earth  after 
his  kind,  and  cattle  after  their  kind,  and  every 
thing  that  creepeth  upon  the  earth  after  his 
kind.  And  God  saw  that  it  was  good. 


LESSONS  FOR  SUNDAY  SCHOOL.  79 


And  God  said,  Let  us  make  man  in  our  im- 
age, after  our  likeness. 

So  God  created  man  in  his  own  image,  in 
the  image  of  God  created  he  him ;  male  and 
female  created  he  them. 

And  God  blessed  them,  and  God  said  unto 
them,  Be  fruitful  and  multiply,  and  replenish 
the  earth,  and  subdue  it. 

And  God  saw  every  thing  that  he  had  made, 
and  behold  it  was  very  good.  —  Genesis  i. 

THE   TEN  COMMANDMENTS. 

And  God  spake  all  these  words,  saying, 

I  am  the  Lord  thy  God,  which  have  brought 
thee  out  of  the  land  of  Egypt,  out  of  the 
house  of  bondage. 

Thou  shalt  have  no  other  gods  before  me. 

Thou  shalt  not  make  unto  thee  any  graven 
image,  or  any  likeness  of  any  thing  that  is  in 
heaven  above,  or  that  is  in  the  earth  beneath, 
or  that  is  in  the  water  under  the  earth ;  thou 
shalt  not  bow  down  thyself  to  them,  nor  serve 
them.  For  I  the  Lord  thy  God  am  a  jealous 
God,  visiting  the  iniquity  of  the  fathers  upon 
the  children  unto  the  third  and  fourth  genera- 
tion of  them  that  hate  me ;  and  showing  mer- 
cy unto  thousands  of  them  that  love  me,  and 
keep  my  commandments. 

Thou  shalt  not  take  the  name  of  the  Lord 
thy  God  in  vain.  For  the  Lord  will  not  hold 
him  guiltless  that  taketh  his  name  in  vain, 
c 


80         LESSONS  FOR  SUNDAY  SCHOOL. 

Remember  the  sabbath  day  to  keep  it  holy. 
Six  days  shalt  thou  labor  and  do  all  thy  work  ; 
but  the  seventh  day  is  the  sabbath  of  the  Lord 
thy  God ;  in  it  thou  shalt  not  do  any  work,  thou, 
nor  thy  son,  nor  thy  daughter,  thy  man-servant, 
nor  thy  maid-servant,  nor  thy  cattle,  nor  thy 
stranger  that  is  within  thy  gates.  For  in  six 
days  the  Lord  made  heaven  and  earth,  the  sea, 
and  all  that  in  them  is,  and  rested  the  seventh 
day  ;  wherefore  the  Lord  blessed  the  sabbath 
day,  and  hallowed  it. 

Honor  thy  father  and  thy  mother  ;  that  thy 
days  may  be  long  upon  the  land  which  the 
Lord  thy  God  giveth  thee. 

Thou  shalt  not  kill. 

Thou  shalt  not  commit  adultery. 

Thou  shalt  not  steal. 

Thou  shalt  not  bear  false  witness  against  thy 
neighbor. 

Thou  shalt  not  covet  thy  neighbor's  house, 
thou  shalt  not  covet  thy  neighbor's  wife,  nor 
his  man-servant,  nor  his  maid -servant  ,  nor  his 
ox,  nor  his  ass,  nor  anything  that  is  thy  neigh- 
bor's. —  Exodus  xx. 


THE    WORKS  AND    COMMANDMENTS   OF  GOD. 

The  heavens  declare  the  glory  of  God  ;  and 
the  firmament  sheweth  his  handy-work. 

Day  unto  day  uttereth  speech,  and  night 
unto  night  sheweth  knowledge. 

There  is  no  speech  nor  language,  their 


LESSONS  FOR  SUNDAY  SCHOOL.  81 

voice  is  not  heard  ;  yet  their  sound  is  gone  out 
through  all  the  earth,  and  their  words  to  the 
end  of  the  world. 

In  them  hath  he  set  a  tabernacle  for  the 
sun;  which  is  as  a  bridegroom  coming  out  of 
his  chamber,  and  rejoiceth  as  a  strong  man  to 
run  a  race. 

His  going  forth  is  from  the  end  of  the  heav- 
en, and  his  circuit  unto  the  ends  of  it :  and 
there  is  nothing  hid  from  the  heat  thereof. 

The  law  of  the  Lord  is  perfect,  converting 
the  soul :  the  testimony  of  the  Lord  is  sure, 
making  wise  the  simple  : 

The  statutes  of  the  Lord  are  right,  rejoic- 
ing the  heart :  the  commandment  of  the  Lord 
is  pure,  enlightening  the  eyes  : 

The  fear  of  the  Lord  is  clean,  enduring  for- 
ever :  the  judgments  of  the  Lord  are  true  and 
righteous  altogether. 

More  to  be  desired  are  they  than  gold,  yea 
than  much  fine  gold  ;  sweeter  also  than  honey 
and  the  honey-comb. 

Moreover,  by  them  is  thy  servant  warned : 
and  in  keeping  of  them  there  is  great  reward. 

Who  can  understand  his  errors?  Cleanse 
thou  me  from  secret  faults. 

Keep  back  thy  servant  also  from  presump- 
tuous sins  ;  let  them  not  have  dominion  over 
me  :  then  shall  I  be  upright,  and  I  shall  be  in- 
nocent from  the  great  transgression. 

Let  the  words  of  my  mouth,  and  the  medi- 
tation of  my  heart,  be  acceptable  in  thy  sight, 
O  Lord,  my  Strength  and  my  Redeemer.  — 
Psalm  xix. 


82  LESSONS  FOR  SUNDAY  SCHOOL. 

THE     UNIVERSAL   PRESENCE    OF  GOD. 

O  Lord,  thou  hast  searched  me,  and  known 
me. 

Thou  knowest  my  down-setting  and  mine 
up-rising  j  thou  understandest  my  thought 
afar  off. 

Thou  compassest  my  path,  and  my  lying- 
down,  and  art  acquainted  with  all  my  ways. 

For  there  is  not  a  word  in  my  tongue  but 
lo,  O  Lord,  thou  knowest  it  altogether. 

Thou  hast  beset  me  behind  and  before  ;  and 
laid  thine  hand  upon  me. 

Such  knowledge  is  too  wonderful  for  me  ; 
it  is  high,  I  cannot  attain  unto  it. 

Whither  shall  I  go  from  thy  spirit?  or 
whither  shall  I  flee  from  thy  presence  ? 

If  I  ascend  up  into  heaven,  thou  art  there  ; 
if  I  make  my  bed  in  hell,  behold,  thou  art 
there. 

If  I  take  the  wings  of  the  morning  and 
dwell  in  the  uttermost  parts  of  the  sea,  even 
there  shall  thy  hand  lead  me,  and  thy  right  hand 
shall  hold  me. 

If  I  say,  Surely  the  darkness  shall  cover 
me,  even  the  night  shall  be  light  about  me. 

Yea,  the  darkness  hideth  not  from  thee  ; 
but  the  night  shineth  as  the  day ;  the  dark- 
ness and  the  light  are  both  alike  to  thee. 

Search  me,  O  God,  and  know  my  heart; 
try  me,  and  know  my  thoughts  ;  and  see  if  there 
be  any  wicked  way  in  me :  and  lead  me  in  the 
way  everlasting.  — Psalm  cxxxix. 


LESSONS  FOR  SUNDAY  SCHOOL.  83 


THE  DIVINE  AUTHORITY  OF  CHRIST. 

Let  not  your  heart  be  troubled  \  ye  believe 
in  God,  believe  also  in  me. 

In  my  Father's  house  are  many  mansions  ; 
if  it  were  not  so,  I  would  have  told  you.  I  go 
to  prepare  a  place  for  you. 

And  if  I  go  and  prepare  a  place  for  you,  I 
will  come  again  and  receive  you  unto  myself, 
that  where  1  am,  there  ye  may  be  also. 

And  whither  I  go  ye  know,  and  the  way  ye 
know. 

Thomas  saith  unto  him,  Lord,  we  know  not 
whither  thou  goest ;  and  how  can  we  know 
the  way  1 

Jesus  saith  unto  him,  I  am  the  way,  and 
the  truth,  and  the  life ;  no  man  cometh  unto 
the  Father  but  by  me. 

If  ye  had  known  me,  ye  should  have  known 
my  Father  also;  and  from  henceforth  ye  know 
him,  and  have  seen  him. 

Philip  saith  unto  him,  Lord,  show  us  the 
Father,  and  it  sufficeth  us. 

Jesus  saith  unto  him,  Have  I  been  so  long 
time  with  you,  and  yet  hast  thou  not  known 
me,  Philip  ?  He  that  hath  seen  me,  hath  seen 
the  Father;  and  how  say  est  thou  then,  Show 
us  the  Father  1 

Believest  thou  not,  that  I  am  in  the  Father, 
and  the  Father  in  me  ?  The  words  that  I 
speak  unto  you,  I  speak  not  of  myself ;  but 
the  Father  that  dwelleth  in  me,  he  doeth  the 
works. 

c2 


84         LESSONS  FOR  SUNDAY  SCHOOL. 


Believe  me,  that  I  am  in  the  Father,  and 
the  Father  in  me  ;  or  else  believe  me  for  the 
very  works'  sake. 

If  ye  love  me,  keep  my  commandments. — 
John  xiv. 


THE  BEATITUDES. 

And  seeing  the  multitudes,  he  went  up  into 
a  mountain  :  and  when  he  was  set,  his  disci- 
ples came  unto  him ; 

And  he  opened  his  mouth,  and  taught  them  ; 
saying, 

Blessed  are  the  poor  in  spirit ;  for  theirs  is 
the  kingdom  of  heaven. 

Blessed  are  they  that  mourn  ;  for  they  shall 
be  comforted. 

Blessed  are  the  meek ;  for  they  shall  inherit 
the  earth. 

Blessed  are  they  who  do  hunger  and  thirst 
after  righteousness ;  for  they  shall  be  filled. 

Blessed  are  the  merciful ;  for  they  shall  ob- 
tain mercy. 

Blessed  are  the  pure  in  heart  ;  for  they  shall 
see  God. 

Blessed  are  the  peace-makers ;  for  they  shall 
be  called  the  children  of  God. 

Blessed  are  they  who  are  persecuted  for 
righteousness'  sake  ;  for  theirs  is  the  kingdom 
of  heaven.  —  Matthew  v. 


LESSONS  FOR  SUNDAY  SCHOOL.  85 


INSTRUCTIONS   OF   JESUS  CHRIST. 

Ask,  and  it  shall  be  given  you ;  seek,  and 
ye  shall  find ;  knock,  and  it  shall  be  opened 
unto  you. 

For  every  one  that  asketh  receiveth  ;  and  he 
that  seeketh  findeth ;  and  to  him  that  knock- 
eth  it  shall  be  opened. 

What  man  is  there  of  you,  who,  if  his  son 
ask  bread,  will  give  him  a  stone  ;  or  if  he  ask 
a  fish,  will  give  him  a  serpent  1 

If  ye  then,  being  evil,  know  how  to  give  good 
gifts  unto  your  children,  how  much  more  shall 
your  Father  who  is  in  heaven  give  good  things 
to  them  that  ask  him. 

Therefore,  all  things  whatsoever  ye  would 
that  men  should  do  to  you,  do  ye  even  so  to 
them  :  for  this  is  the  law  and  the  prophets. 

Enter  ye  in  at  the  strait  gate  :  for  wide  is 
the  gate,  and  broad  is  the  way,  that  leadeth  to 
destruction ;  and  many  there  be  who  go  in 
thereat : 

Because  strait  is  the  gate,  and  narrow  is  the 
way,  which  leadeth  unto  life ;  and  few  there 
be  that  find  it. 

Not  every  one  that  saith  unto  me,  Lord, 
Lord,  shall  enter  into  the  kingdom  of  heaven  ; 
but  he  that  doeth  the  will  of  my  Father  who  is 
in  heaven. 

Therefore,  whosoever  heareth  these  sayings 
of  mine  and  doeth  them,  I  will  liken  him  unto 
a  wise  man,  who  built  his  house  upon  a  rock  : 

And  the  rain  descended,  and  the  floods  came, 


86  LESSONS  FOR  SUNDAY  SCHOOL. 


and  the  winds  blew  and  beat  upon  that  house  ; 
and  it  fell  not,  for  it  was  founded  upon  a  rock. 

And  every  one  that  heareth  these  sayings  of 
mine  and  doeth  them  not,  shall  be  likened 
unto  a  foolish  man,  who  built  his  house  upon 
the  sand  : 

And  the  rain  descended,  and  the  floods 
came,  and  the  winds  blew  and  beat  upon  that 
house ;  and  it  fell,  and  great  was  the  fall  of 
it.  —  Matthew  vii. 


THE   PARABLE    OF  THE  GOOD  SAMARITAN. 

And  behold,  a  certain  lawyer  stood  up  and 
tempted  him,  saying,  Master,  what  shall  I  do 
to  inherit  eternal  life  ? 

Jesus  said  unto  him,  What  is  written  in  the 
law?  how  readest  thou  ? 

And  he  answering  said,  Thou  shalt  love 
the  Lord  thy  God  with  all  thy  heart,  and  with 
all  thy  sovd,  and  with  all  thy  strength,  and  with 
all  thy  mind ;  and  thy  neighbor  as  thyself. 

And  he  said  unto  him,  Thou  hast  answered 
right ;  this  do,  and  thou  shalt  live. 

But  he,  willing  to  justify  himself,  said  unto 
Jesus,  And  who  is  my  neighbor? 

And  Jesus  answering  said,  A  certain  man 
went  down  from  Jerusalem  to  Jericho,  and  fell 
among  thieves,  who  stripped  him  of  his  rai- 
ment, and  wounded  him,  and  departed  leaving 
him  half  dead. 

And  by  chance  there  came  down  a  certain 


LESSONS  FOR  SUNDAY  SCHOOL.  87 

priest  that  way ;  and  when  he  saw  him,  he 
passed  by  on  the  other  side. 

And  likewise  a  Levite,  when  he  was  at  the 
place,  came  and  looked  on  him,  and  passed 
by  on  the  other  side. 

But  a  certain  Samaritan,  as  he  journeyed, 
came  where  he  was  ;  and  when  he  saw  him, 
he  had  compassion  on  him,  and  went  to  him, 
and  bound  up  his  wounds,  pouring  in  oil  and 
wine,  and  set  him  on  his  own  beast,  and 
brought  him  to  an  inn,  and  took  care  of  him. 

And  on  the  morrow,  when  he  departed,  he 
took  out  two  pence  and  gave  them  to  the  host, 
and  said  unto  him,  Take  care  of  him,  and 
whatsoever  thou  spendest  more,  when  I  come 
again  I  will  repay  thee. 

Which  now  of  these  three,  thinkest  thou, 
was  neighbor  unto  him  that  fell  among  the 
thieves  ? 

And  he  said,  He  that  showed  mercy  on  him. 
Then  said  Jesus  unto  him,  Go  and  do 
thou  likewise.  —  Luke  x. 


CHRISTIAN  COUNSELS. 

I  beseech  you  therefore,  by  the  mercies  of 
God,  that  ye  present  your  bodies  a  living  sac- 
rifice, holy,  acceptable  unto  God,  which  is 
your  reasonable  service. 

And  be  not  conformed  to  this  world  :  but 
be  ye  transformed  by  the  renewing  of  your 
mind,  that  ye  may  prove  what  is  that  good  and 
acceptable  and  perfect  will  of  God. 


8S  LESSONS  FOR  SUNDAY  SCHOOL. 

Let  love  be  without  dissimulation. 

Abhor  that  which  is  evil;  cleave"  to  that 
which  is  good. 

Be  kindly  affectioned  one  to  another,  with 
brotherly  love  ;  in  honor  preferring  one  an- 
other ; 

Not  slothful  in  business  ;  fervent  in  spirit ; 
serving  the  Lord  ;  rejoicing  in  hope  ;  patient 
in  tribulation  ;  continuing  instant  in  prayer. 

Bless  them  who  persecute  you  ;  bless,  and 
curse  not. 

Rejoice  with  them  that  do  rejoice,  and  weep 
with  them  that  weep. 

Be  of  the  same  mind  one  toward  another. 
Mind  not  high  things,  but  condescend  to  men 
of  low  estate.  Be  not  wise  in  your  own  con- 
ceits. 

Recompense  to  no  man  evil  for  evil. 

Provide  things  honest  in  the  sight  of  all  men. 

If  it  be  possible,  as  much  as  lieth  in  you, 
live  peaceably  with  all  men. 

Be  not  overcome  of  evil,  but  overcome  evil 
with  good.  —  Romans  xii. 


PRAYERS. 


[In  using  these  prayers,  it  is  intended  that  each  sen- 
tence should  be  separately  read  by  the  superintend- 
ent, and  repeated  by  the  children.] 

Our  Father  who  art  in  heaven  !  Hallowed  be 
thy  name.  Thy  kingdom  come.  Thy  will  be 
done  on  earth  as  it  is  heaven.  Give  us  this 
day  our  daily  bread.  Forgive  us  our  trespasses, 
as  we  forgive  those  who  trespass  against  us. 
Lead  us  not  into  temptation,  but  deliver  us  from 
evil.  For  thine  is  the  kingdom,  and  the  power, 
and  the  glory,  forever.  Amen. 


WORSHIP. 

Our  Father  who  art  in  heaven  !  We  worship 
Thee,  who  art  the  Greatest  and  Best  of  beings. 
We  rejoice  to  call  Thee  our  Father.  May  we 
live  as  thy  children  should  always  live.  Fill 
our  hearts  with  reverence  and  trust.  Dispose 
us  to  do  thy  will,  and  deliver  us  from  the  evil 
that  is  in  the  world.  We  thank  Thee  that 
thou  hast  sent  Jesus  Christ  to  be  our  teacher 
and  friend.  May  we  learn  of  him,  and  try  to  be 
like  him.  May  we  have  peace  and  joy  through 
obedience  to  his  instructions.  We  thank  Thee 
that  we  meet  here  this  morning  to  be  made 


90  PRAYERS  FOR  SUNDAY  SCHOOL. 


wiser  and  better.  Do  thou  help  us  to  do 
right  here  and  every  where.  Forgive,  O  God, 
all  that  has  been  wrong  in  us.  And  hear  us  in 
our  prayers  for  thine  own  goodness'  sake. 
Amen. 


ADORATION  AND  SUPPLICATION. 

O  God!  We  thank  Thee  for  this  day.  The 
sun  as  it  shines,  tells  us  that  thou  art  good. 
The  air  that  we  breathe  is  thy  gift.  Our  bod- 
ies are  thine,  for  Thou  hast  made  them.  Our 
souls  are  thine,  for  Thou  hast  given  us  under- 
standing. All  that  we  enjoy  comes  from  Thee. 
Thanks  be  to  Thee,  oh  our  Father,  for  all  thy 
blessings.  May  we  love  Thee,  whose  love  to 
us  is  so  constant  ;  and  as  we  love  Thee,  may 
we  become  obedient  to  thy  will.  We  thank 
Thee  for  making  known  to  us  thy  will  by 
Jesus  Christ,  thy  dear  Son.  Oh  may  we  keep 
his  commandments,  and  so  please  Thee,  his 
Father  and  our  Father.  Through  him  we 
have  learned  to  pray,  that  Thou  wilt  forgive 
our  sins  ;  forgive  Thou  them  for  thy  mercy's 
sake.  Heavenly  Father,  we  implore  thy 
blessing  upon  this  school.  May  we  here  be 
guided  in  ways  of  wisdom  and  happiness. 
Viet  thy  favor  rest  upon  us.  And  thine  be  all 
the  glory.  Amen. 


FILIAL  PIETY. 

Our  Father  who  art  in  heaven  !  We  seek 
Thee  in  prayer.    Let  us  come  to  thee  in  filial 


PRAYERS  FOR  SUNDAY  SCHOOL.  91 


reverence  and  love.  We  desire  to  feel  that 
Thou  art  with  us,  though  we  see  Thee  not. 
Thou  art  a  spirit,  and  they  who  worship  Thee 
must  worship  Thee  in  spirit  and  in  truth. 
We  would  bring  to  Thee  spiritual  homage  and 
bow  down  our  souls  before  Thee.  May  thy 
greatness  fill  us  with  awe,  while  thy  goodness 
shall  inspire  us  with  an  humble  confidence. 
Banish  Thou  from  our  minds  all  unbelief, 
and  save  us  from  forgetfulness  of  Thee.  Make 
us  thy  dear  children,  who  shall  delight  to 
think  of  Thee,  and  shall  always  trust  in  thy 
care.  We  are  glad  and  thankful  that  Jesus 
Christ  came  to  teach  us  how  great  and  good 
Thou  art.  May  his  words  abide  with  us,  and 
his  spirit  of  filial  piety  be  ours.  May  we  here 
learn  to  understand  and  treasure  up  what  he 
said,  and  be  led  to  copy  his  example ;  that  so 
we  may  dwell  with  him  forever,  in  thy  holy 
and  blissful  presence.  Amen. 


GRATITUDTC. 

God  of  love  !  We  thank  Thee  that  another 
morning  has  called  us  from  our  homes  to  this 
place.  We  thank  Thee  for  our  homes,  for 
our  tender  parents,  for  our  kind  friends,  for  all 
who  love  us,  and  do  us  good.  Every  friend 
and  every  blessing  is  given  us  by  Thee,  who 
hast  made  every  thing,  and  whose  goodness 
has  no  end.    We  thank  Thee  for  the  teachers 

D 


92'  PRAYERS  FOR  SUNDAY  SCHOOL. 


who  meet  us  here,  for  the  truths  we  here  learn, 
and  for  the  pleasure  we  here  enjoy.  It  is 
Thou  who  hast  given  us  our  birth  and  education 
in  a  Christian  land.  Thou  didst  send  thy  Son 
to  bless  us  with  blessings  of  the  mind  and 
heart,  that  may  always  be  ours.  Accept  our 
thanks.  And  grant  us,  Heavenly  Father,  thy 
continual  help,  that  we  may  live  as  we  ought 
in  the  midst  of  so  many  things  to  make  us 
good  and  happy.  Bless  all  of  us,  we  beseech 
Thee.  We  pray  for  one  another.  May  those 
who  teach,  be  taught  by  Thee.  May  those 
who  come  to  learn,  get  instruction  that  may 
guide  them  in  all  their  duties.  May  thy  care 
and  thy  love  be  with  our  friends.  And  may  we 
all  enjoy  thy  goodness  here  and  forever.  Amen. 


PENITENCE. 

Oh  God,  our  Heavenly  Father  !  Hear  us 
when  we  pray  to  Thee.  We  come  to  acknowl- 
edge our  dependence  and  our  unworthiness. 
We  need  thy  forgiveness  and  thy  help.  We 
have  done  many  things  which  we  knew  to  be 
wrong.  We  have  not  loved  Thee  so  much  as 
we  ought.  W e  have  had  bad  thoughts  and  feel- 
ings, for  which  we  are  sorry,  and  we  beseech 
Thee  to  forgive  us.  Oh  that  we  might  always 
try  to  do  right.  Teach  us,  Merciful  God,  to 
know  our  duty  ;  and  assist  us,  that  we  may 
do  it.  May  we  watch  over  ourselves,  and 
keep  our  hearts  from  evil.    May  we  resist 


PRAYERS  FOR  SUNDAY  SCHOOL.       ,  93 

every  temptation  to  do  wrong.  May  the  fear 
and  the  love  of  Thee  dwell  together  in  our 
hearts.  We  thank  Thee  that  we  have  immor- 
tal souls,  that  may  be  prepared  for  heaven  by 
repentance  and  obedience.  Let  us  so  live  in 
this  world  that  we  may  be  happy  forever.  Let 
the  instruction  which  we  receive  in  this  place 
have  an  influence  on  our  characters  and  lives. 
Let  us  enjoy  thy  favor  here,  and  hereafter. 
And  all  the  praise  shall  be  to  thy  mercy,  in 
which  we  have  learned  to  trust  through  Jesus 
Christ,  our  Lord  and  Saviour.  Amen. 


JESUS  CHRIST. 

Gracious  God!  We  call  on  Thee  as  our 
Father.  For  Jesus  Christ  has  taught  us  when 
we  pray,  to  say,  Our  Father  who  art  in  heav- 
en. We  thank  Thee  that  Thou  didst  so  love 
the  world  as  to  send  thy  dear  Son  to  save  men 
from  error  and  sin.  We  rejoice  that  we  have 
heard  of  thy  truth  and  mercy  through  Christ. 
May  we  learn  of  him  who  spoke  and  did  ac- 
cording to  thy  will,  and  who  lived  and  died 
for  our  good.  May  we  be  like  him  in  his  gen- 
tleness, his  humility,  his  love  of  others,  and 
his  love  of  Thee.  May  we  grow  more  like 
him  every  day  that  we  live.  May  his  life  seem 
to  us  as  true,  and  his  character  as  beautiful, 
as  they  were.  Oh  help  us,  our  Father,  to  re- 
member and  honor  the  Saviour  whom  Thou 
hast  given  us.    When  we  come  to  this  place 


94  PRAYERS  FOR  SUNDAY  SCHOOL. 


to  read  and  hear  about  him,  may  we  bring 
teachable  minds  and  open  hearts.  May  we 
enjoy  the  hour  that  we  spend  here,  and  go 
away  with  good  thoughts  and  good  feelings. 
May  we  strive  to  be  good  as  long  as  we 
live ;  that  when  we  die,  we  may  be  welcomed 
by  Jesus  Christ  to  the  mansions  which  he  has 
gone  to  prepare.  Amen. 


OMNIPRESENCE  OF  GOD. 

OLord  our  God  !  Thou  art  great  and  glori- 
ous. Thou  art  holy  and  infinite.  We  are  thy 
creatures,  who  live  in  thy  sight,  and  are  kept 
by  thy  care.  We  see  Thee  not,  but  Thou  al- 
ways seest  us.  Thou  searchest  our  hearts, 
and  knowest  all  our  ways.  Make  us  to  feel 
thy  constant  presence.  May  we  live  as  seeing 
Thee  who  art  invisible.  May  we  watch  over 
our  tempers  and  feelings,  that  they  may  not 
offend  thee.  Help  us  to  grow  in  goodness. 
Help  us  to  fear  and  love  Thee.  Help  us  to  do 
thy  will,  that  we  may  enjoy  thy  favor.  For- 
give all  our  sins,  which  we  have  thoughtlessly 
or  wilfully  committed.  Lead  us  to  repent- 
ance, and  save  us  from  all  evil  for  thy  good- 
ness* and  mercy's  sake.  Amen. 


IMMORTALITY. 

Our  Father  in  Heaven,  Author  of  life  and 
of  every  blessing !  We  render  thanks  to  Thee 


PRAYERS  FOR  SUNDAY  SCHOOL.  95 


who  hast  given  us  being.  We  praise  Thee  for 
our  creation  and  preservation.  We  thank 
Thee  for  our  bodies  so  curiously  and  wonderful- 
ly made,  and  still  more  for  our  souls,  through 
which  we  are  able  to  know  and  love  Thee. 
O  God,  we  bless  Thee  that  thou  hast  made  us 
to  live  forever,  and  hast  sent  thine  own  Son 
to  bring  life  and  immortality  to  light.  In  our 
Christian  faith  and  hope  we  rejoice  before 
Thee,  our  Father  and  our  God.  Oh  may 
we  live  under  the  influence  of  those  truths 
which  Jesus  Christ  taught.  May  we  live  in 
the  hope  of  heaven,  and  in  preparation  for 
eternal  life.  Teach  us  not  to  fear  death,  but 
to  look  beyond  it  to  another  and  better  world 
than  this.  May  we  so  spend  every  day  here  that 
we  may  be  ready  and  willing  to  die,  when  and 
where  Thou  shalt  please.  If  we  should  pass 
many  years  on  earth,  may  they  all  be  spent  in 
obedience  to  thy  will.  And  if  we  should  be  soon 
taken  away  from  all  that  we  love  here,  may 
we  go  to  join  the  spirits  of  the  good  and  happy, 
where  we  may  always  serve  Thee ;  to  whom 
belong  all  praise  and  glory.  Amen. 


CHARACTER. 

Holy  and  Merciful  Father !  Before  Thee 
would  we  bow  down  in  homage.  Thou  alone 
art  God,  supreme  and  everlasting.  In  Thee 
do  we  put  our  trust.  In  our  ignorance  and 
feebleness  we  come  to  Thee,  who  knowest  our 
d2 


96  PRAYERS  FOR  SUNDAY  SCHOOL. 

want,  and  art  more  willing  to  give  what  we 
need  than  we  are  to  ask  it.  We  come  not  to 
ask  that  Thou  wilt  give  us  the  wealth  or  pleas- 
ure of  this  world.  We  ask  not  that  Thou 
wilt  save  us  from  the  trials  which  it  would  be 
good  for  us  to  bear.  Our  heart's  desire  and 
prayer  is,  that  we  maybe  kept  in  ways  of  truth 
and  righteousness.  May  we  study  and  practise 
what  is  right.  May  we  grow  in  goodness  as 
we  grow  in  age.  May  we  learn  the  lessons 
of  duty  which  Thou  hast  given  us  by  Jesus 
Christ.  May  he  be  our  teacher  and  pattern. 
We  have  done  wrong ;  oh  God  our  Father, 
forgive  us.  May  we  try  to  do  wrong  no  more, 
but  keep  consciences  void  of  olfence.  Let 
not  our  lips  be  stained  by  falsehood,  nor  our 
hearts  be  inflamed  by  passion.  But  may  we 
form  characters  that  shall  fit  us  for  usefulness 
here  so  long  as  we  shall  live,  and  for  a  blessed 
immortality  hereafter.  And  thine  shall  be 
all  the  praise  forever.  Amen. 

GENERAL  SUPPLICATION". 

O  Thou  who  hearest  prayer,  our  Father  and 
our  God  !  In  the  glad  and  holy  light  of  this 
morning  we  meet  before  Thee.  Thou  hast 
given  us  the  sweet  rest  of  sleep,  and  hast 
called  us  to  rejoice  in  the  blessings  of  the 
day.  Thou  art  our  constant  Guardian  and 
Benefactor.  We  praise  Thee,  and  would  lift 
up  our  voices  in  thanksgiving,  to  celebrate  thy 


PRAYERS  FOR   SUNDAY  SCHOOL.  97 

lovingkindness  and  mercy.  May  thy  good- 
ness lead  us  to  repentance,  and  bind  us  to 
Thee  in  gratitude.  May  our  hearts  trust  in 
Thee,  and  find  peace.  Fill  us,  oh  God,  with 
thine  own  spirit  of  truth  and  love.  Deliver 
us  from  whatever  is  false  and  evil.  Strengthen 
our  good  purposes,  and  rebuke  our  wrong 
desires.  Let  us  not  be  blinded  by  folly,  nor 
be  overcome  by  temptation.  May  it  be  our 
delight  to  do  thy  will  in  the  days  of  our  health 
and  gladness  ;  and  if  Thou  shouldst  call  us  to 
bear  any  kind  of  suffering,  may  we  still  say,  Thy 
will  be  done.  Guide  us  by  thy  counsel  so 
long  as  we  live,  and  prepare  us  for  thy  judg- 
ment hereafter.  We  pray  for  them  whom  we 
love.  May  our  parents,  our  friends,  our  teach- 
ers be  led  in  paths  of  peace  and  salvation. 
May  all  men  be  taught  the  way  of  righteous- 
ness. Do  Thou  enlighten  the  ignorant,  con- 
vert the  sinful,  comfort  the  miserable,  and  let 
all  people  seek  Thee,  and  find  Thee  through 
Jesus  Christ  the  Mediator  and  Redeemer. 
Amen. 


APPENDIX. 


SUNDAY  SCHOOL 


OF  THE 


FEDERAL   STREET  CONGREGATION. 


1.  The  School  is  open  to  all  the  children  of 
the  congregation ;  of  which  also  the  teachers 
are  members. 

2.  It  is  held  in  the  meeting-house  every 
Sunday,  from  the  1st  of  October  to  the  1st  of 
July,  during  the  hour  between  the  ringing  of 
the  first  and  second  bells  for  public  worship  in 
the  morning. 

3.  The  exercises  of  the  School  begin  with 
a  lesson  from  Scripture,  followed  by  prayer 
and  singing.  After  which,  unless  there  be  a 
general  lesson,  the  classes  go  to  their  several 
pews  and  remain  with  their  teachers  till  the 


100 


APPENDIX. 


close  of  the  School,  when  they  again  join  in 
singing. 

4.  A  general  lesson  is  given,  usually,  once 
a  fortnight,  by  the  junior  minister,  the  super- 
intendent, or  some  one  of  the  teachers. 

5.  For  the  greater  convenience  and  the 
more  thorough  character  of  the  instruction, 
especially  within  the  short  time  allowed,  the 
classes  are  small  ;  the  number  in  a  class,  it  is 
thought,  should  not,  except  for  some  good 
reason,  exceed  five. 

6.  In  arranging  the  children  in  classes,  re- 
gard is  paid  rather  to  their  capacity  and  pre- 
vious instruction  than  to  age. 

7.  Instruction  is  given  principally  by  means 
of  conversation  between  the  teachers  and  their 
classes.  The  Bible  is  the  book  most  used, 
portions  of  it  being  read  and  explained,  or 
being  taken  as  subjects  of  conversation.  Some 
of  the  younger  children  learn  hymns,  and  the 
older  scholars  are  taught  from  such  books  be- 
sides the  Bible  as  their  teachers  may  think 
most  suitable. 


1.  Teachers'  meetings  are  held,  except  in 
the  summer,  once  a  month,  or  once  a  fort- 
night, as  may  be  annually  determined. 

2.  These  meetings  are  held  on  Saturday 
evenings,  from  7  to  9  o'clock,  or  from  7  1-2  to 
9  1-2  o'clock,  at  the  house  of  the  junior  min- 
ister. 


APPENDIX. 


101 


3.  The  time  of  the  meeting  is  divided  be- 
tween conversation  on  the  state  of  the  School, 
discussion  of  questions  interesting  to  the  teach- 
ers of  a  Sunday  School,  and  exposition  of 
Scripture  or  remarks  upon  the  exercises  adopt- 
ed in  the  School. 


A  complete  course  of  instruction  for  a  Sun- 
day School  would  embrace  the  following 
branches  of  study  ;  and  so  far  as  circumstan- 
ces may  permit,  the  children  should  be  carried 
through  such  a  course,  by  beginning  at  the 
earliest  age  at  which  they  enter  the  School 
with  the  first  of  these  exercises,  and  leading 
them  on  successively  to  the  last.  It  may  be 
impossible  to  introduce  or  to  maintain  such 
an  order  of  instruction,  but  the  classes  might 
be  arranged  and  taught  with  reference  to  it. 

I.  Hymns  and  Sacred  Poetry  ; 
Passages  of  Scripture ; 

To  be  committed  to  memory. 

II.  Conversation  between  the  teacher  and 
the  children  —  on 

The  spiritual  nature  of  the  child; 
His  relations  to  God  ; 
His  relations  to  his  fellow-beings ; 
The  dispositions  that  should  be  cher- 
ished ; 

The  tempers  that  should  be  repressed  ; 
-  '    The  habits  of  speech  and  action  that 
are  proper  or  improper. 


102 


APPENDIX. 


Such  conversation  would  bring  up  various 
topics  that  fall  under  the  general  titles,  of  faith, 
and  character.  It  should  follow  very  much 
the  direction  given  it  by  the  child,  who  should 
be  encouraged  to  ask  questions,  and  not  be 
suffered  to  remain  a  passive  listener.  Advan- 
tage may  be  taken  of  familiar  incidents,  of  the 
occurrences  of  the  week,  or  of  facts  borrowed 
from  biography.  Abstract  teaching  should  be 
avoided,  and  truth  be  taught  by  illustration 
and  narrative. 

Catechisms  may  be  used  in  this  stage  of 
the  instruction.  The  best,  probably,  are  Dr. 
Carpenter's,  that  prepared  by  Dr.  Channing 
and  Mr.  Thacher,  and  that  published  by  the 
Worcester  Association. 

III.  History  of  Jesus  Chrsst. 

In  its  principal  facts  only —  without  enter- 
ing into  criticism  ;  using  the  New  Testament 
as  the  only  text  book ;  presenting  to  the  child 
the  Savior's  life  and  character  in  a  manner 
suitable  to  his  early  age. 

IV.  Notices  of  the  principal  personages 
of  the  Old  Testament. 

The  teacher  may  here  give  his  class  some 
brief  account  of  Abraham,  Moses,  David,  &,c, 
with  the  story  of  Joseph,  and  other  narratives 
which  they  would  comprehend,  and  in  which 
they  might  be  expected  to  take  an  interest. 

V.  Lessons  from  Nature  and  Provi- 
dence. 

These  may  be  given  orally,  but  should  be 


APPENDIX. 


103 


more  systematic  and  extended  than  those 
which  come  under  No.  II.  They  should  af- 
ford illustrations  of  the  Divine  power,  wisdom 
and  goodness,  as  seen  in  "  the  things  that  are 
made  ;  "  of  the  Divine  government  as  exhibit- 
ed in  the  course  of  events  ;  of  human  life  and 
character  as  displayed  in  biography  and  histo- 
ry. Many  of  the  facts  of  natural  science 
might  be  profitably  introduced. 

VI.  History  of  Jesus  Christ  —  in  full. 
The  Gospels  should  now  be  carefully  read 

and  explained.  The  life  of  Jesus  should  be 
studied  by  means  of  a  Harmony  —  Palfrey's 
for  example  ;  his  miracles,  parables,  and 
other  discourses  should  be  separately  examin- 
ed ;  and^pains  be  taken  to  give  the  class  as  full 
an  insight  as  may  be  into  the  character  of 
Christ.  Such  a  book  as  Ware's  "  Life  of  the 
Saviour''*  may  be  used,  and  the  teacher  should 
prepare  himself  by  the  help  of  Commentaries 
and  other  works  elucidating  the  meaning  of 
Scripture. 

VII.  Old  Testament. 

Its  history  and  biography ; 
The  Jewish  Law  ; 

The  devotional  and  prophetical  books. 
Portions  of  these  several  parts  of  the  Old 
Testament  may  be  read  and  explained,  and 
some  general  views  be  given  of  the  Mosaic 
dispensation,  and  the  course  of  ancient  pro- 
phecy. Perhaps  nothing  more  can  be  at- 
tempted in  a  Sunday  School. 
d3 


104 


APPENDIX. 


VIII.  History  of  the  early  spread  of 
Christianity,  as  related  in  the  book  of  the 
Acts^ 

IX.  The  Epistles  of  the  New  Testament. 

Portions  of  these  may  be  read,  and  the  de- 
sign and  plan  of  each  Epistle  be  briefly  ex- 
plained, according  to  the  method  recommend- 
ed and  adopted  by  Locke. 

X.  Principles  and  Duties  of  Religion. 

The  teacher  may  now  give  moral  and  re- 
ligious instruction  in  forms  suitable  rather  to 
youth  than  to  childhood.  He  should  explain 
the  foundation  and  the  elements  of  duty ; 
should  make  clear  the  nature  and  the  propri- 
ety of  faith  ;  should  show  what  piety  is,  its 
excellence,  and  the  means  by  which  it  may  be 
cherished  ;  what  morality  is,  its  origin  and 
authority ;  what  the  christian  character  is, 
how  it  may  be  acquired  and  strengthened. 
Such  a  book  as  Ware's  "  Formation  of  the 
Christian  Character,"  or  the  third  part  of  the 
Geneva  Catechism,  may  be  taken  into  the 
School,  but  it  is  better  that  the  instruction, 
should  be  given  in  conversation. 

XI.  Doctrines  of  Christianity — absolutely. 

The  teacher  may  exhibit  and  illustrate  the 
doctrines  of  the  Christian  faith  as  he  under- 
stands them,  without  any  notice  of  other 
opinions  ;  his  object  being  to  give  his  class  a 
view  of  the  religious  belief  of  a  Christian,  as 
he  gathers  it  from  the  Bible. 


APPENDIX. 


105 


Xir.  Doctrines  of  Christianity  —  contro- 
versially examined. 

The  object  in  this,  the  final  part  of  the 
course,  would  be  twofold  —  to  prove  the  jus- 
tice of  the  statements  made  under  the  last 
head,  and  to  show  the  erroneous  nature  of 
opinions  which  may  have  gained  currency. 
This  however  should  be  done  with  great  dis- 
cretion, and  with  a  view  to  relieve  the  mind 
of  the  pupil  of  difficulties  with  which  it  may 
be  embarrassed,  and  not  to  make  him  either 
dogmatical  or  sectarian. 


If  after  leaving  the  Sunday  School  the  chil- 
dren should  attend  a  course  of  exercises  with 
their  minister  on  the  following  subjects,  they 
would  at  its  close  have  been  carried  through  a 
thorough  course  of  religious  instruction. 

Evidences  of  Christianity. 
Natural  Religion. 
Sacred  Geography. 
Moral  Philosophy. 
Ecclesiastical  History. 
History  of  Religions. 


y  v  -/  7  V  7  '/  7  7  /  7 
VV  v  Vy'V/  'V  //  V/  V'. 


y  ■;  y       y  v  y  y,; 


■  iV  A  A  A  0  \V  A  A  A  'A 
\  A  ?  \vv  ,\  V  •  0  V,V 


